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THE PILGRIM PASTOR'S 
MANUAL 



THE PILGRIM 

PASTOR'S MANUAL 

A Maniubnnk of g>*rmr*H 
unb Jflarma 



BY 

GEORGE M. BOYNTON 
II 

Tenth Edition, Revised and Enlarged 

BY 
PARRIS THAXTER FARWELL 




THE PILGRIM PRESS 

BOSTON NEW YORK CHICAGO 



^11? 






Copyright 1894, 1916 

By CONGREGATIONAL SUNDAY-SCHOOL 

AND PUBLISHING SOCIETY 



id.is- 



NOV -7 1316 

THE PILGKLM PREe^ 
bOSTOX 



©CU445540 
t. 



PREFACE 



A Pastor's manual was published by this Society in 
1871, which answered an excellent purpose for many years. 
Then in 1894 George M. Boynton, Secretary of the Society, 
prepared an admirable manual which was very widely 
used, passed through nine editions and is the basis of the 
present edition. 

The principal changes in the present edition consist in 
the omission of certain parts of the previous manual 
which experience shows are seldom used, the addition of 
three new services, a Children's Sunday Service, a Service 
for a Missionary Meeting, A General Service, which it is 
believed may be suitable for the usual form at funerals, 
and the introduction of several services recommended by 
the National Council's Commission on Public Worship, — 
for the Dedication of a Church, for the Reception of Mem- 
bers, for the Baptism of Children, and the longer service 
for the Administration of the Lord's Supper. The volume 
has also been enriched by the use of a few prayers from the 
ancient liturgies not included in other editions, and a few 
passages from " Forms arranged for the Use of Congrega- 
tional Churches," by Rev. H. C. Herring, D.D. 

As was said in the earlier manuals: " It is hoped that it 
will be acceptable to the Congregational ministry in 
general, and especially to the younger brethren." 

Parris Thaxter Far well. 
June 1, 1916 



CONTENTS 



Preface v 

I The Church Building 3 

Laying the Corner Stone. 
Dedication Service. 

II Admission to the Church 23 

Form for the Reception of Members, Recom- 
mended by the National Council Commission 
on Public Worship for 1913. 
Watchwords for New Members. 

III Baptism 43 

Order for the Baptism and Consecration of 
Children. 

IV The Lord's Supper 51 

A Brief Service. 
A Longer Service. 

V An Order for Children's Day Service 63 

VI An Order for a Missionary Service . 71 

VII The Offertory . 81 

Scripture Sentences. 

VIII Marriage Services ........ 89 

The Ancient Form. 
A Simpler Service. 

IX Funeral Services 101 

A Service for General Occasions. 

Prayers. 

The Service at the Grave. 

Other Scripture Selections. 



CONTENTS 

Salutations. 

Mortality. 

Bereavement. 

Children. 

Youth. 

A Woman. 

A Minister. 

The Aged. 

Comfort. 

Hope. 

Exhortations. 

Victory. 

The Resurrection. 

The Heavenly Life. 

Benedictions. 

X The Congregational Creeds 159 

The Apostles' Creed. 

The National Council Commission's Creed of 

1883. 
Kansas City Platform and Creed, 1913. 

XI Order of Procedure at Ecclesiastical 

Councils 167 

To Organize a Church. 
Relation to District Association. 
Incorporation of a Church. 
To Ordain, or Install, a Pastor. 
To Dismiss a Pastor. 
Disbanding a Church. 

XII Forms for Letters, Missives, etc. . . .179 
For a Council: 

To Organize a Church. 

To Ordain, or Install, a Pastor. 

A Certificate of Ordination. 



CONTENTS 

For a Minister or Licentiate: 

Approbation to Preach. 

General Commendation. 

Dismission from an Association. 
For a Church Member: 

General Commendation. 

Dismissal and Commendation. 

Reception. 

XIII Rules of Order for Ecclesiastical 

Meetings 191 

The Organization. 

The Moderator. 

The Scribe or Clerk. 

Discussion. 

Motions and Resolutions. 

Motions Classified by their Object. 

Committees. 

The Vote. 

A Tabulated Statement. 

XIV A Few Selected Prayers from the Prot- 

estant Liturgies 207 



THE CHURCH BUILDING 



LAYING THE CORNER STONE 
DEDICATION SERVICE 



LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF 
A CHURCH BUILDING 



The place should be prepared as well as may be for the as- 
sembling of the congregation and a platform raised for the 
officiating ministers and officers of the church. 

THE ORDER OF SERVICE. 
A HYMN. 

THE SCRIPTURE SELECTIONS. 

Lord, remember for David 

All his affliction; 

How he sware unto the Lord, 

And vowed unto the Mighty One of Jacob : 

Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of 

my house, 
Nor go up into my bed; 
I will not give sleep to mine eyes, 
Or slumber to mine eyelids; 
Until I find out a place for the Lord, 
A tabernacle for the Mighty One of Jacob. . . . 
We will go into his tabernacles; 
We will worship at his footstool. 
Arise, O Lord, into thy resting place; 
Thou, and the ark of thy strength. 
Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; 
And let thy saints shout for joy. ... 



The Pastor's Manual 



For the Lord hath chosen Zion; 

He hath desired it for his habitation. 

This is my resting place for ever: 

Here will I dwell; for I have desired it. 

I will abundantly bless her provision: 

I will satisfy her poor with bread. 

Her priests also will I clothe with salvation : 

And her saints shall shout aloud for joy. 

— Psalm 132 : 1-9,13-16. 

Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold. 
I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried 
stone, a precious corner stone of sure founda- 
tion: he that believeth shall not make haste. — 
Isaiah 28 : 16. 

Thus saith the Lord of hosts: Consider your 
ways. Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, 
and build the house; and I will take pleasure 
in it, and I will be glorified, saith the Lord. 

And the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerub- 
babel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah. 
and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, 
the high priest, and the spirit of all the rem- 
nant of the people; and they came and did work 
in the house of the Lord of hosts, their God. 
— Haggail :7,8,M. 

The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith 
the Lord of hosts. — Haggai 2 : 8. 

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying. 
This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, 



Laying the Corner Stone 



saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my 
spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Who art thou, 
O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt 
become a plain: and he shall bring forth the 
head stone with shoutings of Grace, grace, unto 
it. MoreoAer the word of the Lord came unto 
me, saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have laid 
the foundation of this house; his hands shall 
also finish it; and thou shalt know that the Lord 
of hosts hath sent me unto you. For who hath 
despised the day of small things? — Zechariah 
4:6-10. 

For we are God's fellow- workers: ye are 
God's husbandry, God's building. 

According to the grace of God which was 
given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid a 
foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But 
let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon. 
For other foundation can no man lay than that 
which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. But if 
any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, 
costly stones, wood, hay, stubble; each man's 
work shall be made manifest: for the day shall 
declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the 
fire itself shall prove each man's work of what 
sort it is. If any man's work shall abide which 
he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. If 
any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer 
loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as 
through fire. 



The Pastor s Manual 



Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, 
and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If 
any man destroyeth the temple of God, him 
shall God destroy; for the temple of God is 
holy, which temple ye are. 

Let no man deceive himself. If any man 
thinketh that he is wise among you in this world, 
let him become a fool, that he may become wise. 
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with 
God. For it is written, He that taketh the wise 
in their craftiness: and again, The Lord knoweth 
the reasonings of the wise, that they are vain. 
Wherefore let no one glory in men. For all things 
are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, 
or the world, or life, or death, or things present, 
or things to come; all are yours; and ye are 
Christ's; and Christ is God's. — 1 Cor. 3 : 9-23. 

So then ye are no more strangers and so- 
journers, but ye are fellow-citizens with the 
saints, and of the household of God, being built 
upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, 
Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone; 
in whom each several building, fitly framed to- 
gether, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord; 
in whom ye also are builded together for a habita- 
tion of God in the Spirit. — Ephesians 2 : 19-22. 

THE PRAYER. 

Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth, 
who hast put it into the hearts of thy people to 



Laying the Corner Stone 



erect here a temple of worship to thee, grant 
unto us thy blessing at this hour, and may this 
corner stone, here planted in thy name, be the 
foundation of a true home for thy children. Bless 
those whose offerings have helped to build this 
house. Graciously guard and direct those who 
labor in erecting it, shielding them from accident 
and peril. Grant to us all thy heavenly grace, 
that we may be built up in soul and body into 
living temples of God, and bring us all into thy 
glory to be pillars in thine eternal temple, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Then shall follow the laying of the stone. The box containing 
the documents and articles to be "preserved having been 
placed in the cavity prepared for it, the stone shall be 
brought into position, and the minister, assisted by the 
builders, shall fit it into its place, and then striking the 
stone three times with the trowel, he shall say: 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Spirit, we lay this corner stone 
of the house to be erected here and dedicated 
to the worship of Almighty God, to the spread 
of the gospel of Christ, and to the service of 
humanity. Amen. 

Then may be given an Address. After which, if desired, 
an offering may be made for the Building Fund. 

Then may be sung 

THE HYMN. (One of the following may be used, 
if desired.) 



8 The Pastor s Manual 

" I love Thy Kingdom, Lord." 

" How firm a foundation, ye saints of the 
Lord." 

" Fling out the banner, let it float." 

Then may the service be concluded with 

THE BENEDICTION. 



AN ORDER FOR THE 
DEDICATION OF A CHURCH* 



ORGAN PRELUDE. 

PROCESSIONAL OR INTRODUCTORY 
HYMN. 

One of the following may be used if desired : 

' The Church's one Foundation." 

;< Glorious things of Thee are spoken." 

" Ancient of Days, who sittest throned in 
glory." 

14 God of our Fathers, whose almighty hand." 

THE CALL TO WORSHIP. 

Praise waiteth for thee, God, in Zion, and 

unto thee shall the vow be performed. 
I was glad when they said unto me, let us go 

into the house of the Lord. 
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and 

into his courts with praise. 
For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, 

and his truth endureth to all generations. 

Then let all the congregation join in singing 

* Recommended by the National Council Commission on Public 
Worship. 



10 The Pastor s Manual 

THE HYMN OF PRAISE. (One of the following 
may be used.) 

" Praise God from whom all blessings flow." 
" Praise the Lord, ye heavens adore him." 
" God, our help in ages past." 

Then let the congregation be seated with bowed heads while 
the minister, in his own words, or, if he prefers, using 
the following prayer, leads them in 

THE INVOCATION. 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, whom the 
heaven of heavens cannot contain, much less this 
house which we have built; yet who delightest in 
the assemblage of thy people in the sanctuary, 
and hast promised to bless them there; look with 
thy loving favor upon us this day, and accept as 
thine own this temple of worship which thy chil- 
dren would consecrate to thy service. Cause thy 
face to shine upon us here, and make this place to 
all who gather here the very house of God and 
the gate of heaven; through Jesus Christ, our 
Lord. Amen. 

Then shall the minister and all the people unite in 

THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this 
day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, 
as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into 



The Dedication of a Church 11 

temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine 
is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
forever. Amen. 

Then let the congregation stand and with the minister 
unite in 

THE RESPONSIVE READING (Psalm 24): 

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof; 

The world, and they that dwell therein. 
For He hath founded it upon the seas 

And established it upon the floods. 
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? 

And who shall stand in his holy place ? 
He that hath clean hands and a pure heart; 

Who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, 

And hath not sworn deceitfully. 
He shall receive the blessing from the Lord 
And righteousness from the God of his 

salvation. 

This is the company of them that seek Him, 

That seek Thy face, OGod of Israel. 
Lift up your heads, ye gates, 
And be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors, 

And the King of glory shall come in. 
Who is the King of glory? 

The Lord strong and mighty. The Lord mighty 
in battle. 
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; 
Yea, lift them up, ye everlasting doors, 

And the King of glory shall come in. 



12 The Pastors Manual 



Who is the King of glory? 

The Lord of hosts , he is the King of glory. 

Then let all the people sing 

THE GLORIA PATRL 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to 
the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, 
is now, and ever shall be, world without end. 
Amen. 

Then let the congregation, still standing, and led by the 
minister, unite in the recital of 

THE CREED. 

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of 
heaven and earth. 

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, 
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born 
of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius 
Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the 
third day he rose from the dead, he ascended 
into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of 
God the Father Almighty; from thence he 
shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Catholic 
Church; the communion of saints; the 
forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the 
dead, and the life everlasting. Amen. 

Then let the congregation be seated, and the choir may sing 



The Dedication of a Church 13 

THE ANTHEM. 

The Te Deum Laudamus, Venite, Cantate, or other suitable 
anthem may be sung. 

Then let the minister read 

THE SCRIPTURE LESSON. 

Appropriate selections are, Psalm 47 ; 1 Chron. 
29:11-18; 2 Chron. 6:18-31, 41, 42; 
2 Chron. 5 : 13, 14; 1 Cor. 3 :9-17; Eph. 
2 : 19-22; Rev. 21 : 1-5, 22-27. 

Then lei all the people unite in 

A HYMN OF PRAISE. (The following are ap- 
propriate.) 

" 1 love thy kingdom, Lord." 

" Christ is the corner stone." 
' O Thou whose own vast temple stands." 
' Crown Him with many crowns." 

Then may follow 

THE SERMON. 

Then may follow 

THE OFFERTORY. 

Before the people give thank-offering for the completion of 
the sanctuary, the minister, or one of the officers of the 
church, may present a statement of the cost of the build- 
ing and its equipment. 

After the offertory the minister may lead the people in 



14 



The Pastor's Manual 



THE SERVICE OF DEDICATION. 

The people standing and all joining in the Responses. 



Minister. 



People. 
Minister. 



People. 
Minister. 



People. 
Minister. 



People. 
Minister. 



To the glory of God, our Father, by 

whose favor we have built this 

house; 
To the honor of Jesus, the Christ, the 

Son of the living God, our Lord and 

Saviour; 
To the praise of the Holy Spirit, 

source of light and life; 

We dedicate this house. 

For worship in prayer and song; 

For the ministry of the Word; 

For the celebration of the Holy 

Sacraments; 
We dedicate this house. 
For comfort to those who mourn; 
For strength to those who are 

tempted; 
For help in right living ; 

We dedicate this house. 

For the sanctification of the family; 

For the guidance of childhood ; 

For the salvation of men; 

We dedicate this house. 

For aggression against evil; 

For fostering patriotism ; 

For promoting civic righteousness; 



The Dedication of a Church 



15 



People. We dedicate this house. 
Minister. For sympathy and fellowship with the 
needy; 
For brotherhood with all men; 
For the essential unity of all believers 
in Jesus Christ; 
People. We dedicate this house. 

Minister. For the building of character; 

For the giving of hope and courage to 

all human hearts ; 
For the teaching of morality, tem- 
perance and justice ; 
People. We dedicate this house. 

Minister. For missionary endeavor at home and 
abroad; 
For world-wide evangelism and edu- 
cation, till all the kingdoms of 
the world become the kingdom of 
our Lord, and of his Christ; 
For the reform of social wrongs, till 
all human society is transformed 
into a kingdom of heaven ; 

People. We dedicate this house. 

Minister. In grateful remembrance of all who 
have loved and served this church; 
with hearts tender for those who 
have fared forth from the earthly 
habitations; a free-will offering of 
thanksgiving and praise; 



16 The Pastor s Manual 

People. We dedicate this house. 

Minister and People. We, now, the people of 
this church and congregation, com- 
passed about with a great cloud of 
witnesses, grateful for our heritage, 
sensible of the sacrifices of the 
fathers, confessing that apart from 
us their work cannot be made per- 
fect, do dedicate ourselves anew to 
the worthy worship of God in this 
place and to the constant service 
of God in the Christian service of 
men. 

Then shall be said, or sung, by the minister and all the 
people together, one or two verses of 

THE HYMN: "Glorious things of Thee are 
spoken." 

Then shall follow 

THE PRAYER OF DEDICATION. 

The minister may use his own form of words, or, if pre- 
ferred, may re-use one or more of the following . 

If desired, the people may join in the use of the prayers. 

Almighty and Everlasting God, who inhabit est 
eternity and dwellest not in temples made with 
hands, yet who dost manifest thyself to thy people 
in the sanctuary, accept, we pray thee, the offering 
of this house which we have built to the glory of 
thy Holy Name. We have set it apart as a 



The Dedication of a Church 17 

temple of worship, where thy praises shall be 
devoutly sung; where the prayers of thy people 
shall be made unto thee continually; where thy 
holy gospel shall be preached ; and where the 
sacraments of thy church shall be observed. 
May we worship thee here in spirit and in truth; 
and may the glory of the Lord fill this house. 
Amen. 

Heavenly Father, grant us thy presence within 
these walls, we beseech thee. Unless thou art 
with us we have built in vain. May thy spirit 
enable us here to do the work of thy kingdom, 
in loyal discipleship to thy Son, Jesus Christ, 
whose we are and whom we serve. Give unto 
us a quickening faith and sympathy with all that 
is noble and true. Broaden our vision and our 
interests, enlarge our hearts, until we shall give 
ourselves in helpful ministry to all who sin and 
suffer, all who are weary and heavy laden, all 
who hope and pray. Deliver us from bitterness 
and strife, from pride and boasting, from narrow- 
ness of creed and selfishness of life, so that all 
who truly love Christ and desire to follow Him 
may find a home and a place for service with 
us. Inspire us with lofty ideals, and help us to 
learn the great lesson of life from Him who came 
"not to be ministered unto, but to minister." 
Help us here to be co-laborers with thee, working 
with tireless zeal for the triumph of thy kingdom 
on earth, so that at last the whole wide world 



18 The Pastor's Manual 

shall be none other but the house of God, and the 
gate of heaven. Amen} 

Almighty God, Fountain of wisdom, goodness 
and love, we ask for this church the consecration 
of thy presence and spirit. May all thy children 
be ever welcome here. Hither may the little 
ones love to come, and here may young men and 
maidens be strengthened for the battle of life. 
Here may the strong renew their power, and 
hither may age turn its footsteps to find the 
peace of God and light at eventide. Here may 
the poor and needy find friends. Here may the 
tempted find succor, the sorrowing find comfort, 
and the bereaved catch the vision of their loved 
ones in the eternal home. Here may those who 
doubt have their better hopes confirmed. Here 
may the careless be awakened to their folly and 
sin, and be brought to timely repentance. Here 
may thy faithful people make manifest the church 
of the living God, the pillar and ground of the 
truth, and may this house be the place where 
thine honor dwelleth, and the whole earth be 
filled with thy glory. Amen. 2 

DEDICATION HYMN. 

One of the following may be used if desired. 

" A mighty Fortress is our God." 
" Master, let me walk with Thee." 

1 John Doane. 

2 John Hunter 



The Dedication of a Church 19 

44 Faith of our fathers, living still." 
44 O God, beneath thy guiding hand." 
4 O where are kings and empires now." 
54 One holy Church- of God appears." 

Then let the people be seated with bowed heads, while the 
minister leads them in 

THE CLOSING PRAYER and 

THE BENEDICTION: Now may the God of 
peace, who brought again from the dead the 
great Shepherd of the Sheep with the blood of an 
eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus make you 
perfect in every good thing to do his will, work- 
ing in us that which is well pleasing in his sight, 
through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for 
ever and ever. Amen. 

ORGAN POSTLUDE. 



II 

ADMISSION TO THE CHURCH 



FORM FOR THE RECEPTION OF MEMBERS, RECOM- 
MENDED BY THE NATIONAL COUNCIL COMMISSION 
ON PUBLIC WORSHIP FOR 1913. 

WATCHWORDS FOR NEW MEMBERS. 



AN ORDER FOR 

THE RECEPTION OF MEMRERS 

INTO THE CHURCH* 



The names of those who are to unite with the church having 
been read, those who are to make confession of their faith 
shall present themselves before the minister. 

If there are those, also, who are to unite by letter from other 
churches, they shall be seated conveniently near the pulpit, 
or if preferred, their names may now be read, and they may 
stand with the others. 

Then shall the minister say to those who enter the church on 
confess ion of the ir fa ith : 

What shall I render unto the Lord 
For all His benefits toward me? 
I will take the cup of salvation 
And call upon the name of the Lord. 
I will pay my vows unto the Lord, 
Now, in the presence of all his people. 

Dearly beloved, called of God to be his chil- 
dren through Jesus Christ, we give hearty thanks 
to him, who has opened your eyes to see and your 
hearts to receive Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, 
and has inclined you to present yourselves here 
to enter into the communion and fellowship of 
his church. 

* Recommended by the National Council Commission on Public 
Worship. 

23 



24 The Pastor's Manual 

Having truly repented of your sins, you sin- 
cerely devote yourselves to the love, obedience, 
and service of God; you acknowledge Jesus 
Christ as your Lord and Master, and confess your 
purpose to learn of him, to become like him, and 
to advance his kingdom in the world; you accept 
his Word as the law of your life, and his Spirit 
as your comforter and guide; and trusting in his 
grace to strengthen you, you promise to do what 
you can to promote the peace, purity, and pros- 
perity of this church, walking with his disciples in 
love, and glorifying him by a faithful life. Do you 
so promise? 

Then shall each one answer, 

I do. 

Then shall baplism be administered to those not previously 
baptized, and the minister shall say to them : 

From the beginning of the Christian Church 
those who wished to be numbered with the fol- 
lowers of Christ were baptized on confession of 
their faith; do you now wish to receive such 
Christian baptism as a symbol of that inward 
purity of life which you seek, and sign that you 
dedicate yourself to the service and glory of God? 

Then shall each person who is to be baptized answer, 

I do. 

Then shall the minister baptize each of them, saying: 



The Reception of Members 25 

N , I baptize thee in [or into] the name of the 

Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 
Amen. 

Then addressing those who were baptized in childhood, the 
minister shall say: 

You who in childhood were brought into the 
church on the faith of your parents, to be recog- 
nized as the children of God, and dedicated to his 
service; do you accept and confirm for yourselves 
that consecration made for you in childhood when 
you were baptized in the name of the Father, 
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost? 

Then shall each of them answer, 

I do. 

Then shall the minister say for them: 

The God of all grace, who hath called you into 
his eternal glory by Jesus Christ, confirm you 
unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day 
of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Then shall the minister say to all: 

And may he so strengthen each one of you, 
baptized in his name, that hereafter you shall not 
be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, 
but that you may manfully fight under his banner 
against all evil, and continue Christ's faithful 
soldier and servant until life's end. 



26 The Pastor s Manual 

Then shall the minisler read the names of those to be re- 
ceived by letter, if the names have not before been read, and 
they shall stand in the place appointed; and the minister 
shall say to them : 

Kindred in Christ, who come acknowledging 
the vows made when first you declared your faith 
in Christ, we bid you welcome. We greet you 
as fellow-laborers in his service, and fellow-travel- 
ers to his promised rest. Do you now cordially 
unite yourself with this church of Christ, and ac- 
cept its covenant of mutual service? Do you 
promise to pray and work for its upbuilding and 
its usefulness; to help in sustaining its worship, 
its activities and its charities; and to live with us 
in Christian fellowship? Do you so promise? 

Then shall each one answer, 

I do. 

Then shall the members of the church rise in salutation 
and welcome, and the minisler shall say to all uniting with 
the church on confession and by letter: 

We then, the members of this church, welcome 
you with joy into our communion and fellowship. 
We pledge to you our sympathy, our help, and 
our prayers that you may evermore increase in 
the knowledge and love of God. God grant that 
loving and being loved, serving and being served, 
blessing and being blessed, we may be prepared 
while we dwelf together on earth for the perfect 
fellowship of the saints above. 



The Reception of Members 27 

Here may be sung one or more verses of the hymn 

" Blest he the tie that binds," 

while the minister gives to each one the right hand of fellow- 
ship, speaking some pastoral word, or a verse of Scripture. 

Tfien shall the minister give a Benediction : 

Now unto Him who is able to keep you from 
falling, and to present you faultless before the 
presence of his glory with exceeding joy; to the 
only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, 
dominion and power, world without end, both 
now and forever. Amen. 

Or this: 

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding 
abundantly above all that we ask or think, ac- 
cording to the power that worketh in us; unto 
Him be the glory in the church by Christ Jesus, 
through all ages, world without end. Amen. 



WATCHWORDS FOR 

THOSE MAKING CONFESSION 

OF CHRIST 



After the welcome extended by the church and before the 
benediction, it is customary in many churches for the pas- 
tor to give his right hand to each of those thus received on 
confession, and to repeat to each a sentence from the Holy 
Scriptures which shall be an appropriate watchword for 
their Christian lives. This should also be given to each 
written on a card or in some other form. 

As a preface the minister should use words like the foil ow- 
ing: 

In token of our hearty welcome, I give you this right 
hand of fellowship : — 

WORDS OF JESUS. 

Blessed are the poor in spirit : for theirs is the kingdom 
of heaven. — Matt. 5:3. 

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 

— Matt. 5 : 5. 

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteous- 
ness: for they shall be filled. — Matt. 5 : 6. • 

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 

— Matt. 5 : 8. 

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called 
sons of God. — Matt. 5 : 9. 

28 



Watchwords for New Members 29 



^ •— 



Even so let your light shine before men, that they may 
see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in 
heaven. — Matt. 5 : 16. 

Where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also. 

— Matt. 6 :21. 

Seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and 
all these things shall be added unto you. — Matt. 6 : 33. 

Ask, and it shall be given you. — Matt. 7 : 7. 
Follow me. — Matt. 9 : 9. 

Daughter, be of good cheer; thy faith hath made thee 
whole. — Matt. 9 : 22. 

According to your faith be it done unto you. — Matt. 

9 : 29. 

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, 
and I will give you rest. — Matt. 11 : 28. 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am 
meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your 
souls. — Matt. 11 : 29. 

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. — Matt. 

11 : 30. 

Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, 
him will I also confess before my Father which is in heaven. 

— Matt. 10 : 32. 

He that doth not take his cross and follow me, is not 
worthy of me. — Matt. 10 : 38. 

He that findeth his fife shall lose it; and he that loseth 
his life for my sake shall find it. — Matt. 10 : 39. 

Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in 
heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother. — Matt. 

12 : 50. 



30 The Pastors Manual 



He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. 

— Matt. 24 : 13. 

Take ye heed, watch and pray. — Mark 13 : 33. 

Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be 
taken away from her. — Luke 10 : 42. 

Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 
— Luke 12 : 34. 

To-day is salvation come to this house. — Luke 19 : 9. 

In your patience ye shall win your souls. — Luke 21 : 19. 

As many as received him, to them gave he the right to 
become children of God, even to them that believe on his 
name. — John 1 : 12. 

Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. — John 2 : 5. 

My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to 
accomplish his work. — John 4 : 34. 

I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall not 
hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 

— John 6 : 35. 

I am the light of the world: he that folio weth me shall 
not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life. 

— John 8 : 12. 

If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; 
and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you 
free. — John 8 : 31, 32. 

If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free 
indeed. — John 8 : 36. 

If a man keep my word, he shall never see death. 

— John 8 : 51. 

We must work the works of him that sent me, while il 
is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 

— John 9 : 4. 



Watchwords for New Members 31 



I am the good shepherd; and I know mine own, and 
mine own know me. — John 10 : 14. 

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they 
follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they 
shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my 
hand.— John 10 : 27, 28. 

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, 
there shall also my servant be. — John 12 : 26. 

If any man serve me, him will the Father honour. 

— John 12 : 26. 

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all 
men unto myself. — John 12 : 32. 

While ye have the light, believe on the light, that ye 
may become sons of light. — John 12 : 36. 

He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on 
him that sent me. — John 12 : 44. 

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever be- 
lieveth on me may not abide in the darkness. — John 
12 : 46. 

Ye call me, Master, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so 
I am. — John 13 : 13. 

I have given you an example, that ye also should do as 
I have done to you. — John 13 : 15. 

If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them. 

— John 13 : 17. 

A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one 
another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one 
another. — John 13 : 34. 

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, be- 
lieve also in me. — John 14 : 1. 

I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh 
unto the Father, but by me. — John 14 : 6. 



32 The Pastor's Manual 



He that hath seen me hath seen the Father. — John 

14 : 9. 

Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, 
that the Father may be glorified in the Son. — John 14 : 13. 

If ye love me, ye will keep my commandment. 

— John 14 : 15. 

I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another 
Comforter, that he may be with you for ever, even the 
Spirit of truth. —John 14 : 16, 17. 

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, 
he it is that loveth me. — John 14 : 21. 

If a man love me, he will keep my word : and my Father 
will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our 
abode with him. — John 14 : 23. 

The Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father 
will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and 
bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you. 

— John 14: 26. 

My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give 
I unto you. — John 14 : 27. 

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. 

— John 14 : 27. 

Abide in me, and I in you, — John 15 : 4. 

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide 
in the vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me. 

— John 15 : 4. 

Apart from me ye can do nothing. — John 15 : 5. 

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask 
whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you. — John 

15 : 7. 



Watchwords for New Members 33 

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; 
and so shall ye be my disciples. — John 15 : 8. 

Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved 
you: abide ye in my love. — John 15 : 9. 

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my 
love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, 
and abide in his love. — John 15 : 10. 

This is my commandment, that ye love one another, 
even as I have loved you. — John 15 : 12. 

Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command 
you. — John 15 : 14. 

No longer do I call you servants; for the servant know- 
eth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; 
for all things that I heard from my Father I have made 
known unto you. — John 15 : 15. 

Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed 
you, that ye should go and bear fruit and that your fruit 
should abide. — John 15 : 16. 

I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and 
your joy no one taketh away from you. — John 16 : 22. 

The Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved 
me, and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 

— John 16 : 27. 

In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; 
I have overcome the world. — John 16 : 33. 

Present yourselves unto God, as alive from the dead, and 
your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 

— Rom. 6 : 13. 

There is therefore now no condemnation to them that 
are in Christ Jesus. — Rom. 8:1. 



34 The Pastor s Manual 



As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons 
of God. — Rom.8 :U. 

For ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto 
fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we 
cry, Abba, Father. — Rom. 8 : 15. 

We know that to them that love God all things work 
together for good. — Rom. 8 : 28. 

In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to 
another; 

in honour preferring one another; 

in diligence not slothful; 

fervent in spirit; 

serving the Lord; 

rejoicing in hope; 

patientin tribulation; 

continuing stedfastly in prayer. — Rom. 12 : 10, 11, 12. 

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. 
— Rom. 12 : 21. 

Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ. — Rom. 12 : 1U. 

For none of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to him- 
self. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or 
whether we die, we die unto the Lord. — Rom. 1U : 7, 8. 

Let us follow after things which make for peace, and 
things whereby we may edify one another. — Rom. 1U : 19. 

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in 
believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the 
Holy Ghost. — Rom. 15 : 13. 

I would have you wise unto that which is good, and 
simple unto that which is evil. — Rom. 16 : 19. 

God is faithful, through whom ye were called into the 
fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. — 1 Cor. 1 : 9. 



Watchwords for New Members 35 

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, 
but in the power of God. — 1 Cor, 2 : 5. 

Other foundation can no man lay than that which is 
laid, which is Jesus Christ. — 1 Cor. 3 : 11. 

Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the 
Spirit of God dwelleth in you? — 1 Cor. 3 : 16. 

For all things are yours: . . . and ye are Christ's; 
and Christ is God's. — 1 Cor. 3, : 21, 23. 

Ye are not your own; for ye were bought with a price. 
— 1 Cor. 6 : 19,20. 

Let each man, wherein he was called, therein abide with 
God. — 1 Cor. 7 : 24. 

Even so run, that ye may attain. — 1 Cor. 9 : 2b. 

Be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the 
work of the Lord. — / Cor. 15 : 58. 

We look not at the things which are seen, but at the 
things which are not seen: for the things which are seen 
are temporal; but the things which are not seen are 
eternal. — 2 Cor. 4 : 18. 

We walk by faith, not by sight. — 2 Cor. 5 : 7. 

For the love of Christ constraineth us. — 2 Cor. 5 : 1U. 

Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse 
ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting 
holiness in the fear of God. — 2 Cor. 7:1. 

My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made 
perfect in weakness. — 2 Cor. 12 : 9. 

When I am weak, then am I strong. — 2 Cor. 12 : 10. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long- 
suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, 
temperance. — Gal. 5 : 22. 



36 The Pastor's Manual 



Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of 
Christ.— Gal. 6 : 2. 

And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season 
we shall reap, if we faint not. — Gal. 6 : 9. 

By grace have ye been saved through faith. — Eph. 

2:8. 

We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for 
good works. — Eph. 2 : 10. * 

Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. 
—Eph. 5 : 1. 

Walk as children of light . . . proving what is well- 
pleasing unto the Lord. — Eph. 5 : 8-10. 

Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, 
but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are 
e\il.—Eph.5:15 9 16. 

As servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the 
heart. — Eph. 6 : 6. 

Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 
— Eph. 6 : 10. 

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to 
stand against the wiles of the devil. — Eph. 6 : 11. 

Wherefore take up the whole armour of God, that ye 
may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done 
all, to stand. — Eph. 6 : 13. 

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more 
and more in knowledge and all discernment. — Phil. 
1 :9. 

So that ye may approve the things that are excellent. 
— Phil 1 : 10. 



Watchwords for New Members 37 

That ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the 
(Jay of Christ. — Phil 1 : 10. 

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are 
through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. 

— Phil. 1 : 11. 

For to me to live is Christ. — Phil. 1 : 21. 

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of 
Christ. — Phil, 1 : 27. 

Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. 

— Phil 2:5. . 

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 
for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to 
work, for his good pleasure. — Phil. 2 : 12, 13. 

Rejoice in the Lord. — Phil. 3:1. 

Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the ex- 
cellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. 

— Phil. 3:8. 

I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me. 

— Phil 4 : 13. 

And my God shall fulfill every need of yours according 
io his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. — Phil. r i : 19. 

As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk 
ia him, rooted and builded up in him, and stablished in 
your faith, even as ye were taught, abounding in thanks- 
giving. — 'Col. 2 : 6, 7. 



Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the 

things that are upon the earth. — Col. 3 : 2. 
. 
For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 
— Col. 3:3. 

Christ is all, and in all. — Col 3 : 11. 



38 The Pastor s Manual 



Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. 
— Col 3 : 16. 

Whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name 
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through 
him.— Col. 3 : 17. 

Ye serve the Lord Christ. — Col. 3 : 24. 

Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with 
thanksgiving. — Col. 4 : 2. 

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeem- 
ing the time. — Col. 4 : 5. 

Walk worthily of God, who calleth you into his own 
kingdom and glory. — 1 Thess. 2 : 12. 

Rejoice alway. — 1 Thess. 5 : 16. 

Pray without ceasing. — 1 Thess. 5 : 17. 

In everything give thanks. — 1 Thess. 5 : 18. 

Quench not the Spirit. — 1 Thess. 5 : 19. 

Prove all things. — 1 Thess. 5 : 21. 

Hold fast that which is good. — 1 Thess. 5 : 21. 

Abstain from every form of evil. — 1 Thess. 5 : 22. 

The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and 
into the patience of Christ. — 2 Thess. 3 : 5. 

Be not weary in well-doing. — 2 Thess. 3 : 13. 

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an-ensample 
to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in 
faith, in purity. — 1 Tim. 4 : 12. 

Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them, 
that thy progress may be manifest unto all. — 1 Tim. 
4:15. 



Watchwords for New Members 39 

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on the life eternal, 
whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good 
confession in the sight of many witnesses. — 1 Tim. 6 : 12. 

Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace 
that is in Christ Jesus. — 2 Tim. 2:1. 

Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God. 
— 2 Tim. 2 : 15. 

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver 
not; for he is faithful that promised. — Heb. 10 : 23. 

Looking unto Jesus. — Heb. 12 : 2. 

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ. — 2 Pet. 3: 18. 

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the 
crown of life. — Rev. 2 : 10. 



GENERAL WORDS FOR THE BEGINNING OR 
CLOSE OF THIS SERVICE 

Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my 
joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved. 
— Phil. 4 : 1. 

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? 
Are not even ye, before our Lord Jesus at his coming? 
For ye are our glory and our joy. — 1 Thess. 2 : 19, 20. 



Ill 

THE BAPTISM OF CHILDREN 



ORDER FOR THE BAPTISM AND CONSECRATION OF 

CHILDREN 



AN ORDER FOR THE 

BAPTISM OR CONSECRATION 

OF CHILDREN* 



When the children are to be presented for baptism (or 
consecration), the name of each child in full, with the date of 
its birth, and the names of both parents, should be given to 
the minister, in writing, at the time of the service. 

As the parents bring the children forward the choir may 
chant the following : 

i 
The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to 

everlasting upon them that fear him, and his 

righteousness unto children's children: 

To such as keep his covenant, and to those that 
remember his commandments to do them. — Ps. 
103 : 17, 18. 

Then let the minister read one or more of the following : 

The promise is unto you and to your children, 
and to all that are afar off, even as many as the 
Lord your God shall call. — Acts 2 : 39. 

See that ye despise not one of these little ones; 
for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do 
always behold the face of my Father which is in 
heaven.— Matt. 18 : 10. 

* Recommended by the National Council Commission on Public 
Worship. 

43 



44 The Pastor s Manual 

It is not the will of your Father in heaven that 
one of these little ones should perish. — Matt 
18 : 14. 

And these words, which I command thee this 
day, shall be upon thine heart; and thou shalt 
teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt 
talk of them when thou sittest in thin house, and 
when thou walkest by the way, and when thou 
liest down, and when thou risest up. — DeuL 
6 : 6, 7. 

And they brought young children to him, that 
he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked 
those that brought them. But when Jesus saw 
it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, 
Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and 
forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of 
God. Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not 
receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he 
shall not enter therein. And he took them up in 
his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed 
them. 

Then let the minister say to those ivlio are assembled: 

In this service of consecration we declare our 
faith in the universal fatherhood of God; we 
solemnly recognize these children as his children; 
we publicly name them as belonging to the great 
family of the heavenly Father; we covenant to 
nurture them in the knowledge of God and in the 



The Baptism of Children 45 

spirit of Jesus Christ, dedicating them so far as 
we may to the service of God and of their fellows, 
trusting that they may ratify that dedication 
when they reach years of discretion. 

Then shall the minister address those presenting their 
children as follows: 

Dearly beloved, in presenting these children 
[or this child] for baptism [or consecration] you 
confess your faith in the universal fatherhood of 
Him who said, " All souls are mine," and in the 
tender care and redeeming love of Him who took 
little children in his arms and blessed them, saying, 
14 Of such is the kingdom of heaven." You bring 
them acknowledging that they are the gifts of 
God, and desiring that they may be dedicated to 
the Christian life. 

You promise to teach them that they are God's 
children, that they owe to him the love of their 
hearts and the service of their lives; and that the 
beginning of wisdom is to trust him and obey him. 
You promise to teach them the way of goodness 
and truth; that they may learn to hate evil and 
love righteousness, and may know the Father as 
he is revealed in Christ Jesus through obedience 
and love. And you promise today that not only 
by the teaching of your lips but by the holy 
influence of faithful lives you will seek to reveal 
to them that grace which is able to save us from 
our sins, to strengthen us in our labors, to comfort 



46 The Pastor s Manual 

us in our sorrows, and to bring us home to God. 
Do you so promise? 

Answer. I do. 

Then the minister shall say: 

The God of all grace, who hath called you unto 
his eternal glory by Jesus Christ, fulfill every 
need of yours according to his riches and glory 
in Christ Jesus, confirming you unto the end, that 
ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus 
Christ. Amen. 

Then the minister may take the child in his arms, if con- 
venient, and shall say to the parents: 

Name this child. 

Then, naming it after them, the minister shall say: 

N , I baptize thee in [or into] the name of 

the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Ghost. Amen. 

In the consecration of children the minister shall say: 

N , I consecrate thee to the Christian life, 

to the worship of God, and to the service of thy 
fellowmen; in the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Then let the minister offer prayer, using his own words, 
or the following: 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, the protec- 



The Baptism of Children 47 

tor of all the weak, keep, guard, and bless this 
child [or these children] evermore. May he be a 
bringer of joy to the home and to the world into 
which he has been born. As he grows in years 
may he also grow in strength and beauty of char- 
acter; and being led in the ways of divine wisdom, 
stand ever among thy good and faithful servants 
who rejoice to do thy will. 

Endue those into whose care thou hast com- 
mitted this child with a wise, loving, devout, and 
faithful spirit. Help them to make their home 
the scene of the highest affections, the noblest 
discipline, and the purest religion. 1 

As we gladly welcome this child into the congre- 
gation of Christ's flock, to be under our special 
care, may we help him so that he shall never be 
ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, 
but shall fight loyally under His banner against 
all evil, and continue Christ's faithful soldier and 
servant unto the end. Amen. 2 

THE BENEDICTION. 

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord 
make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious 
unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon 
you, and give you peace. 

While the parents and children are retiring, an appropriate 
hymn or chant may be sung. 

1 John Hunter's Devotional Services. 
^Common Prayer. 



48 The Pastor s Manual 



INFANT BAPTISM 

{Brief Form *) 

As the parents advance to the place where the minister 
awaits them he may repeat passages of Scripture such as 
" Suffer little children" etc. 

Facing the congregation and the parents he shall say: 

In presenting your child (children) for baptism 
you desire to commend him (her) (them) to the 
care of God your Heavenly Father. 

You claim for him a place in the love and grace 
of Jesus Christ our Lord. 

You acknowledge that your child belongs to 
God and you desire that he shall be His forever. 

You confess God's right to use the life thus 
dedicated in His service and for His glory as He 
shall please. And you promise to rear your child 
in the knowledge of Christian truth and duty, 
seeking by precept, discipline and example to 
lead him in the way of righteousness. 

Do you thus believe and promise? 

The parents shall answer " We do." 

The minister shall then place water upon the child's head 

saying: " J baptise thee in the name of the Father 

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen." Here shall 
follow a brief prayer suited to the occasion. 

As the parents retire a chant or simple hymn may be 
sung by the choir. 

* From "Forms arranged for the Use of Congregational Churches " 
by Rev. H. C. Herring, D.D. 



IV 
THE LORD'S SUPPER 



A BRIEF SERVICE 
A LONGER SERVICE 



THE CELEBRATION OF THE 
LORD'S SUPPER 



The following is the customary order where the commun- 
ion is observed as a separate service. Where it follows the 
morning service this is usually abbreviated. 

HYMN. 

SCRIPTURE. 

ADDRESS. 

RECEPTION OF MEMRERS. [See page 21.J 

HYMN. 

THE INVITATION OF THE CHURCH. 

This is varied in its form: sometimes it is fixed by vote 
of the church, though often it is left to the discretion of 
the minister. A form of increasing use is this: 

We cordially invite to share with us in this 
commemoration of his death, all who love our 
Lord Jesus Christ and confess him before men. 

The bread being uncovered and already partly cut is broken 
by the minister, after which he leads in — 

THE PRAYER OF RLESSING. 
THE DISTRIRUTION OF THE RREAD. 

51 



52 The Pastors Manual 

After these words of the Apostle Paul: — 

For I have received of the Lord that which 
also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus 
the same night in which he was betrayed took 
bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake 
it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which 
is broken for you: this do in remembrance of 
me. — 1. Cor. 11: 23, 2U. 

The minister then gives the bread into the hands of the 
deacons y one of whom then offers it to him that he may par- 
lake. Then the deacons distribute the bread to the com- 
municants. On their return the minister takes the plates 
and places them on the table. He then offers the bread to 
the deacons in turn. 

The minister then takes a cup and leads in — 

THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING. 
THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CUP. 

After the prayer, the minister, taking a cup in his right hand, 
says: 

After the same manner also he took the cup, 
when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new 
testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye 
drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as 
ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew 
the Lord's death till he come. — 1 Cor. 11 : 25, 26. 

The minister then gives the cups into the hands of the dea- 
cons', one of whom passes a cup back to the minister that he 
may partake, then they are passed to all who desire or are 



The Lord's Supper 53 

entitled to commune. As the deacons return, the minister 
rises and taking the cups from their hands places them upon 
the table, and then after they are seated serves each of them in 
turn. 

The minister may then speak after this manner: 

From the earliest days it has been the custom 
of the Church at this service of Christian fellow- 
ship to make an offering for the needy of the 
church. This offering will now be received. 

AN OFFERING FOR THE LORD'S POOR. 

HYMN OF PRAISE. 

BENEDICTION. 

Now the God of peace, who brought again 
from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep 
with the blood of the eternal covenant, even 
our Lord Jesus, make you perfect in every good 
thing to do his will, working in us that which 
is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; 
to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. 
— Heb. 13 : 20,21. 

(A Longer Service) 

AN ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION 
OF THE LORD'S SUPPER.* 

On the day appointed for the Communion, the deacons 
having charge of the Lord's table shall see that it is arranged 
in order. 

* Recommended by the National Council Commission on Public 
Worship. 



54 The Pastor s Manual 

The minister and deacons shall assemble and be seated in 
the place appointed. 

An appropriate hymn may be sung. {When the ordi- 
nance follows another service, this may be the closing hymn 
of that previous service.) 

The minister may then read one or more of the following 
sentences : 

Hear what comfortable words our Saviour 
Christ saith unto all who truly turn to him : 

Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy 
laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke 
upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and 
lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your 
souls. 

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst 
after righteousness, for they shall be filled. 

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye 
shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 

If ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts 
unto your children, how much more shall your 
Father who is in heaven give good things unto 
them that ask him. 

Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have 
loved you : abide ye in my love. 

Whosoever will be chief among you let him be 
your servant; even as the Son of Man came not to 
be ministered unto but to minister, and to give 
his life a ransom for many. 

Then shall be given the invitation of the minister to the 
people. 



The Lord's Supper 55 

Ye that do truly and earnestly repent you of 
your sins, and are in love and charity with your 
neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following 
the commandments of God, and walking from 
henceforth in his holy ways; draw near with 
reverence, faith and thanksgiving and take the 
Supper of the Lord to your comfort. 

Come to this sacred table, not because you must 
but because you may; come to testify not that 
you are righteous but that you sincerely love our 
Lord Jesus Christ and desire to be his true dis- 
ciples; come, not because you are strong but be- 
cause you are weak; not because you have any 
claim on heaven's rewards, but because in your 
frailty and sin you stand in constant need of 
heaven's mercy and help; come, not to express an 
opinion, but to seek a Presence and pray for a 
Spirit. And now that the Supper of the Lord is 
spread before you, lift up your minds and hearts 
above all selfish fears and cares. Let this bread 
and this wine be to you the witnesses and signs 
of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of 
God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. 
Before the throne of the heavenly Father and the 
cross of the Redeemer make your humble con- 
fession of sin, consecrate your lives to the Christian 
obedience and service, and pray for strength to 
do and to bear the holy and blessed will of 
God. 1 

1 Devotional Services. Rev. John Hunter, D.D. 



56 The Pastor s Manual 

Then let the minister lead in prayer, using tlie Communion 
Collect: 

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, 
all desires known, and from whom no secrets are 
hid; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the 
inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may per- 
fectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy 
name; through Christ our Lord. Amen} 

The minister may then offer a prayer of confession, inter- 
cession and thanksgiving, using his own words, or the follow- 
ing: 

Most holy and most merciful God, our heavenly 
Father, led by Jesus Christ we draw near unto 
thee. We would remember Christ, remember 
that he has eaten with us the bread and drunk 
the cup of our life, that he had communion with 
us in our joy and sorrow, and tasted what it is 
for a man to die. We would remember the gra- 
cious beauty of his life, his obedience unto death, 
the charity of his cross, and his victory over the 
world's sin and sorrow. We would remember all 
that we owe to him, — our greater nearness to 
thee and to one another, our knowledge of thy 
fatherhood, and of our human brotherhood; our 
new and more abounding life; our deeper and 
more peaceful sense of immortality. Impress and 
quicken our hearts with the memory of our Mas- 
ter and Saviour, till we learn to feel it to be no 

1 Book of Common Prayer. 



The Lord's Supper 57 



task to serve him, no hardship to follow him in 
his obedience, and no burden to carry his cross. 

We confess with shame that we often forget 
our Lord. We forget him in our fear and anxiety, 
in our distrust and doubt of thee, our heavenly 
Father. We forget him in our indolence and 
weariness in thy service, in our unforgivingness 
and uncharitableness of disposition, in our selfish- 
ness and worldliness. Forgive, O God, our 
forgetfulness. Help us so to enter into the spirit 
of this service that we may go out into the world 
better prepared to remember Christ amid the 
care and strife and sorrow of our common days; 
that thus coming to thee, in hunger and thirst 
after righteousness, we may eat of thy living bread 
and be filled with the spirit of Jesus Christ, and 
evermore dwell in him and he in us. 

We remember in this sacred hour of Commun- 
ion the whole family of man, all our brethren 
everywhere. We remember with affection our 
friends, and with charity our enemies. We pray 
thee to comfort the sad, to strengthen the weak, to 
refresh the weary, to protect the innocent, to 
reward the faithful, to save the lost, and to recon- 
cile all hearts and lives to thee. Amen. 

Then the minister shall repeat the Scripture words of 
institution: 

Our Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was 
betrayed, took bread: 



58 The Pastor s Manual 

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, 
and said, " Take, eat; this is my body, which is 
broken for you ; this do in remembrance of me. ' ' 

After the same manner also he took the cup, 
when he had supped, saying, ' ' This cup is the 
New Testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft 
as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." 

As often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, 
ye do show the Lord's death till he come. 

The minister shall then take the bread and break it in 
view of the people, saying: 

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the same night in 
which he was betrayed, having taken bread, and 
blessed and broken it, gave it to his disciples: 
so I ministering in his name, give this bread unto 
you. Take and eat this in remembrance that 
Christ died for you, and feed on him in your 
hearts by faith with thanksgiving. 

After the minister, the people, and the deacons have par- 
taken of the bread, the minister shall take the cup and say: 

Our Saviour also took the cup, and gave it to 
his disciples; so I, ministering in his name, give 
to you this cup. Drink this in remembrance that 
Christ's blood was shed for you, and be thankful. 

After the minister, the people, and the deacons have par- 
taken of the cup, the minister shall say: 

Let us pray. 



The Lord's Supper 59 

Almighty and most merciful God, who hast 
called us to sit together in heavenly places at 
this feast of thy love, we give thanks to thee for 
thy great goodness vouchsafed to us in this 
sacred Communion. Grant, we beseech thee, 
that we may so partake of the very life of Christ, 
that he may live again in us. May we be changed 
into his likeness, that at last he may present us 
faultless before the presence of his glory with ex- 
ceeding joy. Amen. 

Then may be taken an offering for the poor. 

During the distribution of the bread and wine and the 
receiving of the offering, the organ may be played very softly. 

Then shall the minister say: 

And when they had sung an hymn, they went 
out unto the Mount of Olives. 

Then may follow 

THE HYMN OF COMMUNION. 

Then while the people sit ivith bowed heads the minister 
shall give 

THE BENEDICTION: 

The peace of God, which passeth all under- 
standing, keep your hearts and minds in the 
knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus 
Christ our Lord: And the blessing of God Al- 
mighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, 



60 The Pastor's Manual 

be amongst you, and remain with you always. 
Amen. 

Or: 

Now the God of Peace that brought again from 
the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the 
sheep, through the blood of the everlasting 
covenant, make you perfect in every good work 
to do his will, working in you that which is well 
pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ; to 
whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 

After the Benediction the communicants may remain in 
silent prayer for a moment. 



CHILDREN'S DAY SERVICE 



AN ORDER FOR A CHILDREN'S 
DAY SERVICE* 



ORGAN PRELUDE. 

At the appointed hour the children and older people m of 
the Sunday School and congregation, with the pastor 
and superintendent, having gathered in another room, 
may march into the house of worship, singing the 

PROCESSIONAL HYMN. 

One of the following may be used, if desired; 

" Onward, Christian Soldiers." 
" O Saviour, Precious Saviour." 
" Brightly gleams our banner." 
" Forward be our watchword." 
" Crown Him with many crowns." 
' When morning gilds the skies." 

Tlien may the minister give 

THE CALL TO WORSHIP. 

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go 
into the house of the Lord. One thing have I de- 
sired of the Lord; that will I seek after; That 
I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days 
of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and 
to inquire in his temple. 

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us 

* Recommended by the National Council Commission on Public 
Worship, 1915. 

63 



64 The Pastor s Manual 

kneel before the Lord our maker. For He is our 
God; and we are the people of his pasture and the 
sneep of his hand. 

Then may the minister lead the people in 

THE INVOCATION. 

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, 
all desires known, and from whom no secrets are 
hid; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the 
inspiration of thy Holy Spirit; that we may per- 
fectly love Thee, and worthily magnify Thy Holy 
Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

All Uniting 

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be 
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this 
day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as 
we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into 
temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine 
is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for- 
ever. Amen. 

HYMN. 

One of the following may be used if desired: 

" When his salvation bringing." 

" Hosanna we sing, like the children dear." 

" Rejoice, ye pure in heart." 

" Jesus, I have promised." 

SCRIPTURE READING. 



Children's Day Service 65 

And he took a little child, and set him in the 
midst of them; and taking him in his arms, he 
said unto them, 

Whosoever shall receive one of such little chil- 
dren in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever 
receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that 
sent me. 

In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, say- 
ing 

Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of heaven? 

And he called to him a little child, and set him 
in the midst of them, and said, 

Verily I say unto you, except ye turn, and be- 
come as little children, ye shall in no wise enter 
into the Kingdom of Heaven. 

And they brought young children to him, that 
he should touch them : 

And his disciples rebuked those that brought 
them. 

But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, 
and said unto them, 

Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and 
forbid them not: for of such is the Kingdom of 
Heaven. 

Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not re- 
ceive the Kingdom of God as a little child, he 
shall not enter therein. 

And he took them up in his arms, put his hands 
upon them and blessed them. 



66 The Pastor's Manual 

CONSECRATION OF CHILDREN IN RAP- 
TISM. 

PRAYER. 

HYMN. 

One of the following may be used if desired: 

' I think when I read that sweet story of old." 
" By cool Siloam's shady rill." 
■ There's a Friend for little children." 

PRESENTATION OF BIBLES TO CHIL- 
DREN OF THE CHURCH. 

A SONG. 

By the Primary Department or a Children's Chorus. 

RECITATIONS AND EXERCISES. 

By members of the Sunday School. 

OFFERTORY. 

For Sunday School Extension and Missionary work. 

HYMN. 

One of the following may be used if desired: 

" My God, I thank thee, who hast made." 

" For the beauty of the earth." 

" Take my life and let it be." 

V The spacious firmament on high." 

" Summer Suns are glowing." 



Children's Day Service 67 

ADDRESS BY THE PASTOR. 

This may be given by an invited speaker if desired, 

HYMN. 

One of the following may be used if desired: 

' God of our Fathers, whose almighty hand." 
" The Son of God goes forth to war." 
" Saviour, again to thy dear name we raise." 
" Faith of our Fathers, living yet." 

PRAYER. 

The minister may use his own form of words, or, if he 
prefers, he may use the following : 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who hast 
shown us in Jesus Christ the wonders of thy love 
to us, help us to live as thy faithful and loyal 
children. Kindle in our hearts a deep desire to 
know thy will, and to do it. Bless these children 
gathered in thy house to worship Thee, and may 
they learn here the lessons of the eternal life. 
Give to us all the childlike spirit, and bring us all 
at last into the glory of the eternal home, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

BENEDICTION. 

Now unto Him that is able to keep you from 
falling, and to present you faultless before the 
presence of his glory, with exceeding joy, to the 
only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, 
dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. 

ORGAN POSTLUDE. 



VI 
A MISSIONARY SERVICE 



AN ORDER 
FOR A MISSIONARY SERVICE 



ORGAN PRELUDE. 
OPENING HYMN. 

This may be a Processional, if desired. One of the follow- 
ing hymns may be used: 

44 Lift up your heads, rejoice." 
' 4 Joy to the world, the Lord is come." 
44 Rejoice, rejoice, believers." 
4 Father, let Thy Kingdom come." 
44 From the Eastern Mountains." 

INVOCATION. 

The minister or leader may use his own words, or, if he 
prefers, he may use the following: 

Father in heaven, who dost love all thy chil- 
dren everywhere, and didst send thy Son to seek 
and to save the lost, fill us with Thine own deep 
desire for the salvation of all men. As the 
Master sent forth his disciples to tell the story of 
redeeming love to all the nations, so may we feel 
that we should send the message of the gospel to 
all on earth. Bless us as we consider today the 
work of thy Kingdom, and fill us with joy by the 

* Recommended by the National Council Commission on Public 
Worship, 1915. 

71 



72 The Pastor s Manual 

promise of its final victory everywhere; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

All Uniting 

Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be 
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day 
our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we 
forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temp- 
tation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the 
Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 

One of the following may be used if desired: 

" Go labor on; spend and be spent." 
' He that goeth forth with weeping." 
' Who is on the Lord's side ? " 
" Lord, what offering shall we bring.*' 

RESPONSIVE READING. (May be read by 
the Minister, alone.) 

Vnd Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, 
All power is given unto me in heaven and in 
earth. 

Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptiz- 
ing them in the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to 
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded 
you: 



Missionary Service 73 

And lo, I am with you alway, even unto the 
end of the world.— (Matt 28 : 18-20.) 

And being assembled together with them, he 
commanded them that they should not depart 
from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the 
Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 

For John truly baptized with water; but ye 
shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many 
days hence. 

Ye shall receive power after that the Holy 
Ghost is come upon you: 

And ye shall be witnesses unto me both in 
Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and 
unto the uttermost part of the earth. — (Acts 1: 
4, 5, 8.) 

Or this: 

Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy 
righteousness unto the king's son. 

He shall judge thy people with righteousness, 
and thy poor with judgment. 

The mountains shall bring peace to the people ; 

And the little hills, by righteousness. 

He shall judge the poor of the people ; 

He shall save the children of the needy, and 
shall break in pieces the oppressor. 

They shall fear thee as long as the sun and 
moon endure, throughout all generations. 

He shall come down as rain upon the mown 
grass: as showers that water the earth. 

In his days shall the righteous flourish; 



74 The Pastors Manual 

And abundance of peace so long as the moon 
endureth. 

He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, 

And from the river unto the ends of the earth. 

They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow 
before him: 

And his enemies shall lick the dust. 

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall 
bring presents: 

The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. 

Yea, all kings shall fall down before him : 

All nations shall serve him. 

For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth ; 

The poor, also, and him that hath no helper. 

He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall 
save the souls of the needy. 

He shall redeem their soul from deceit and vio- 
lence; and precious shall their blood be in his 
sight. 

And he shall live, and to him shall be given of 
the gold of Sheba: 

Prayer also shall be made for him continually; 
and daily shall he be praised. 

There shall be an handful of corn in the earth 
upon the top of the mountains; 

The fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon ; 

And they of the city shall flourish like grass of 
the earth. 

His name shall endure forever; 



Missionary Service 75 

His name shall be continued as long as the sun. 

And men shall be blessed in him ; 

All nations shall call him blessed. 

Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, 
who only doeth wondrous things. 

And blessed be his glorious name forever: 

And let the whole earth be filled with his glory. 
Amen and Amen. — Psalm 7?. 

GLORIA PATRI. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to 
the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, 
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

PRAYER. 

The minister or leader may use his own form of words, or, 
if he wishes, may use the following: 

Almighty and Most Merciful God, in whose 
hands are all the ends of the earth, send forth thy 
light and thy truth into all the world. Win back 
thine own by the gracious power of thy Spirit 
working through the heralds of the Cross who 
carry the good news of Christ and his redemption. 
Protect the messengers of grace amid the dangers 
and difficulties that may confront them. Give 
them strength and skill and courage in their 
work. Bless those who work in mission fields 
in this our own country, that the pow r er of the 
gospel may make this a Christian nation. Crown 
their labors with abundant success. Speed Thou 



76 The Pastor's Manual 

the time when the earth shall be filled with the 
knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea, 
when Jesus shall rule in every heart and home, 
and when in the world-wide triumph of his re- 
deeming grace the Kingdom of heaven shall have 
fully come on earth: through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

HYMN. 

One of the following may be used: 

14 Fling out the banner, let it float." 

" Ye Christian heralds, go proclaim." 

44 Hark, the voice of Jesus calling." 

" God's trumpet wakes the slumbering world." 

" Thy Kingdom come; on bended knee." 

ADDRESS OR EXERCISE. 

The address may be by the pastor; or addresses may be 
made by returned missionaries, or by representatives of 
home or foreign missionary societies; or by those who 
have made a special study of some phase of missionary 
work; or the exercise may be " A Tour Around the 
World, 11 illustrated ivith stereopticon views {the slides 
for which are furnished by home or foreign missionary 
societies); or it may be a dialogue or other exercise, 
iividly selling forth the progress of the Kingdom of 
( 'hrist. 

HYMN. 

One v >/ the following may t>e used: 



Missionary Service 



' Zion, haste, thy mission high fulfilling." 
" O brothers, lift your voices." 
u Jesus shall reign where'er the sun." 
" Hail to the brightness of Zion's glad morn 
ing." 

" Hark! the song of jubilee." 

PRAYER and 



BENEDICTION. 
ORGAN POSTLUDE. 



YII 
THE OFFERTORY 



SCRIPTURE SENTENCES 



THE OFFERTORY 



Where offerings are to be received for missionary objects 
or for the maintenance of the local church, this act should 
be regarded as part of the worship of God. It is proper for 
the minister to repeat one or more of the following or other 
appropriate verses of Scripture before the offerings are 
received, or at intervals during their collection; and either 
to ask God's blessing upon the givers and the giving before 
the collection is made, or at the close to receive the offer- 
ings from those who collect them, and holding them in his 
hands to consecrate them to the Lord and to his service in 
a brief prayer. 

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord, 
and his good deed will he pay him again. — Prov. 19 : 17. 

Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will 
deliver him in the day of evil. — Psalm 41 : 1 . 

So let your light shine before men, that they may see 
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in 
heaven.— Matt. 5 : 16. 

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, 
where moth and rust doth consume, and where thieves 
break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treas- 
ures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, 
and where thieves do not break through nor steal. — Matt. 
6: 19,20. 

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter 
into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of 
my Father which is in heaven. — Matt. 7 : 21. 

81 



82 The Pastor's Manual 



Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, 
pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they 
give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete 
it shall be measured to you again. — Luke 6 : 38. 

Know ye not that they which minister about sacred 
things eat of the things of the temple, and they which wail 
upon the altar have their portion with the altar? Even 
so did the Lord ordain that they which proclaim the gospel 
should live of the gospel. — 1 Cor. 9 : 13, 14. 

He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly ; and 
he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 
Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his 
heart; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a 
cheerful giver. — 2 Cor. 9 : 6,7. 

So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which 
is good toward all men, and especially toward them that 
are of the household of the faith. — Gal. 6 : 10. 

God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love 
which ye shewed toward his name, in that ye ministered 
unto the saints, and still do minister. — Heb. 6 : 10. 

To do good and to communicate forget not: for with 
such sacrifices God is well pleased. — Heb. 13: 16. 

Godliness with contentment is great, gain: for Mr 
brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry 
anything out. — 1 Tim. 6: 6, 7. 

Charge them that are rich in this present world, that 
they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the un- 
certainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all 
things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in 
good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to 
communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good 
foundation against the time to come, that they may lay 
hold on the life which is life kicked. / Tim. 6 : 17, 18. 19. 



The Offertory 83 



Whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother 
in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how 
doth the love of God abide in him? — 1 John 3 : 11 '. 

THE PRAYER AT THE OFFERTORY. 

May be used by the pastor, or in unison: 

Accept these our offerings, O God, we beseech thee, 
which now we seek to dedicate to the service of thy Holy 
Church, and grant us ever to have grateful hearts, through 
Jesus Christ, our Lord. 1 

Heavenly Father, who has given us all things richly to 
enjoy, graciously deign to receive these our gifts which 
now we. lay upon thine altar, and bless us both in the use 
and the giving of thy mercies, for Jesus' sake. 1 

God, who dost teach us by this act of worship that it 
is more blessed to give than to receive, graciously accept 
these our offerings and give us the right spirit both in 
giving and receiving, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 

Receive, O God, we beseech thee, for the service of thy 
Holy Church, these our offerings, which by thy bounty 
we may give joyfully with the heart, acknowledging in all 
things thy Fatherly goodness. Grant this for Jesus' sake. 1 

O God, to whom we cannot render anything which 
belongeth not unto thee, accept these our offerings which 
with grateful hearts we seek to dedicate to thy holy 
service, and teach us in all things to show the spirit of 
true liberality, for Jesus' sake. 1 

Receive, O Lord, we pray thee, these our offerings which 
we render for the service of thy Church, and for the 
extension of thy Kingdom, and accept with them our 
hearts and lives which we desire to consecrate anew to 
thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 

1 From " A Pulpit Manual," by James Burns 



<M The Pastor's Manual 



Almighty God, to whom all things belong, but who 
deignest to accept from us those mercies which thou 
thyself has bestowed, accept these our offerings, the gifts 
of the rich and the poor alike, and so consecrate them that 
thy Kingdom may be advanced, and thy Name glorified, 
and this we humbly beg through our only Lord and 
Saviour, Jesus Christ. 1 

Almighty Father, we thank thee and adore thee, who 
hast brought life and immortality to light in the life of 
Jesus Christ, from its manger cradle to the empty tomb. 
So bless the Christian ministries we help maintain by our 
gifts and fellowship, both here and throughout the world, 
that we may be the means of leading many to victory over 
sin and death. And grant, we beseech thee, that we our- 
selves may be conquerors over the deadly perils that beset 
these mortal years. Shed abroad in all sorrowing hearts, 
all sinning souls, the glad and saving light of the Christian 
gospel. And thine shall be the praise, O Father of all. — 
Amen. (William Allen Knight.) 

Our heavenly Father, give some sure token of thy loving- 
kindness this day to all who serve thee in public or private 
place. We pray that thou wilt specially remember thus 
all true-hearted men and women who have given their 
lives to thy work as ministers and missionaries. Hallow 
to them their manifold duties, comfort and keep them in 
the hardships they bear for thy cause, gladden them by 
tokens for good. And grant, our Father, that we and all 
thy people who have abundance for daily welfare, may be 
sympathetic, wise, and good, toward all such workers 
who serve thee and thy church in faithfulness, that their 
hearts may not be weakened by us, nor their temporal 
welfare neglected, nor brotherhood in Christ become void 
of its ancient glory. So may thy church honor her Lord 

1 From " \ Pulpit Manual," l>y James Burns. 



The Offertory 85 



on earth, we pray in his name. — Amen. (William Allen 
Knight.) 

O Thou who hast founded the Church, and hast prom- 
ised to dwell in it forever, enlighten and sanctify it by 
thy Word and Spirit; endue all office-bearers and workers 
with thy grace, that they may with joy and faithfulness 
care for thy Church in all its service to men and women 
and children. Bless all who serve thee in personal ministries 
to the troubled and the suffering, the poor and the hard 
pressed, the sinful and the wanderers from God, both in 
our land and among all peoples. Strengthen them in their 
work; give them courage to win success by loving sendee, 
while they witness for Christ our Lord. So own and guide 
this church of our love and all who seek to do thy will 
among men. Heavenly Father, thy Kingdom come, and 
with it peace on earth and good will, through Christ. — 
Amen. (William Allen Knight.) 



VIII 
MARRIAGE SERVICES 



THE ANCIENT FORM 
SIMPLER SERVICE 



FORMS FOR THE SOLEMNIZA 
TION OF MATRIMONY 



[Note. — The laws respecting matrimony being different 
in the several States, every minister is left to the direction 
of those laws in everything that regards the civil contract 
between the parties.] 

I. THE ANCIENT FORM 

(As used by the Reformed Episcopal Church.) 

At the day and time appointed for solemnization of matri- 
mony, the persons to be married shall come into the body of 
the church, or shall be ready in some proper house, with 
their friends and neighbors; and there standing together, 
the man on the right hand, and the woman on the left, the 
minister shall say: — 

Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here 
in the sight of God and in the face of this company 
to join together this man and this woman in holy 
matrimony; which is an honorable estate, insti- 
tuted of God in the time of man's innocency, 
signifying unto us the mystical union that is 
betwixt Christ and his church: which holy estate 
Christ adorned and beautified with his presence 
and first miracle that he wrought in Cana of 
Galilee, and is commended of St. Paul to be hon- 
orable among all men; and therefore is not by 
any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly; 

89 



90 The Pastor's Manual 

but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and 
in the fear of God. Into this holy estate these 
two persons present come now to be joined. If 
any man can show just cause why they may not 
lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, 
or else hereafter for ever hold his peace. 

Then speaking unto the persons who are to be rnarntd, he 
shall say: — 

I require and charge you both (as ye will 
answer at the dreadful day of judgment when 
the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed), that if 
either of you know any impediment, why ye may 
not be lawfully joined together in matrimony, ye 
do now confess it. For be ye well assured, that if 
any persons are joined together otherwise than as 
God's Word doth allow, their marriage is not 
lawful. 

// no impediment be alleged, then shall the minister say to 
the man, addressing him by his Christian name: — 

, wilt thou have this woman to thy wed- 



ded wife, to live together after God's ordinance, 
in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou 
love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in 
sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, 
keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall 
live? 

Answer. I will. 

Then shall the minister say unto the woman, addressing 
Iter by her Christian name: — 



Marriage Services 91 



, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded 



husband, to live together after God's ordinance, 
in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey 
him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him, 
in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, 
keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall 
live? 

Answer. I will. 

Then shall the minister say: — 

Who giveth this woman to be married to 
this man? 

Then shall Uiey give their troth to each other in this manner: 
The minister receiving the woman at her father s or friend's 
hands, shall cause the man with his right hand to lake the 
ivoman by her right hand, and to say after him: — 

I, , take thee, , to my wedded wife, 

to have and to hold, from this day forward, for 
better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sick- 
ness and in health, to love and to cherish, till 
death us do part, according to God's holy ordi- 
nance; and thereto I plight thee my troth. 

Then shall they loose their hands; and the woman with her 
right hand taking the man by his right hand, shall like- 
wise say after the minister: — 

I, — , take thee, , to my wedded hus- 
band, to have and to hold, from this day for- 
ward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, 
in sickness and in health, to love, cherish and 



92 The Pastor's Manual 

obey till death us do part, according to God's 
holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth. 

Then shall the man place upon the fourth finger of the 
woman s left hand a ring, and holding it there, repeat after 
the minister: — 

With this ring I thee wed — and with all my 
worldly goods I thee endow in the name of the 
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 
Amen. 

Then shall the minister lead in prayer as follows: — 

Our Father, who art in heaven; hallowed be 
thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this 
day our daily bread. And forgive us our tres- 
passes, as we forgive those who trespass against 
us. And lead us not into temptation; but 
deliver us from evil. Amen. 

eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all 
mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author 
of everlasting life, send thy blessing upon these 
thy servants, this man and this woman, whom 
we bless in thy name; that they may surely 
perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt 
them made (whereof this ring given and received 
is a token and pledge), and may ever remain in 
perfect love and peace together, and live accord- 
ing to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



Marriage Services 93 

Then shall the minister join their right hands together, and 
say: — 

Those whom God hath joined together, let 
no man put asunder. 

Then shall the minister say: — 

Forasmuch as and have con- 
sented together in holy wedlock, and have wit- 
nessed the same before God and this company, 
and thereto have given and pledged their troth, 
each to the other, and have declared the same 
(by giving and receiving a ring, and) by joining 
hands, I pronounce that they are husband and 
wife; in the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Then the minister shall add this blessing: — 

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy 
Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; The Lord 
mercifully with his favor look upon you, and fill 
you with all spiritual benediction and grace; 
that ye may so live together in this life, that in 
the world to come ye may have life everlasting. 
Amen. 



91 The Pastors Manual 



II. A SIMPLER FORM 

\Yith brief responses. 

The minister shall thus address the assembled company: — 

Dearly beloved: — We are here gathered together 
in the sight of God, and in the presence of these wit- 
nesses to join together this man and this woman 
in the bonds of matrimony, which is a holy estate 
instituted by God in the beginning of human 
history; which was beautified and adorned by 
our Lord's gracious presence and first miracle at 
the wedding in Cana of Galilee; which is com- 
mended by St. Paul as honorable in all, and con- 
secrated as signifying unto us the mystical union 
that subsists between Christ and His Church. 

It is therefore not to be entered on lightly, nor 
unadvisedly, but thoughtfully, reverently and in 
the fear of God. 

It was ordained for the mutual good, society 
and comfort of man and woman, that each should 
be the help meet for the other. 

It was ordained for the continuance of the holy 
ordinance of family life. 

It was ordained for the welfare of the state and 
human society, which tend to be strong and happy 
wheresoever the marriage bond is held in honor, 
but are ready to perish wheresoever the same is 
dishonored. 



Marriage Services 95 

The duty, therefore, which the estate of marriage 
chiefly imposes is mutual love and reverence 
between husband and wife, with mutual devising 
of the solace and welfare required by both. Which 
duty is plainly set forth in God's Holy Word. 
[Ephesians, 5:22-33.] 

Into this holy estate these two persons are 
come to be joined. Let us invoke upon them the 
blessing of God. 

PRAYER. 

Then shall the minister say: — 

Almighty and most merciful Father, we, Thy 
children, do praise Thee for all the gifts of Thy 
providence, and for all the bounties of Thy grace. 
Especially do we at this time thank Thee for the 
institution of marriage, and that Thou hast made 
it to be honorable in all. And we humbly be- 
seech Thee graciously to send down Thy blessing 
upon Thy servant and Thy handmaid, who are 
about to be joined together according to Thy holy 
institution and ordinance. As Thou hast brought 
them together by Thy Providence, sanctify them 
by Thy Spirit, giving them a new frame of heart, 
fit for their new estate, and enriching them with all 
grace, whereby they may perform the duties, 
enjoy the comforts, undergo the cares, and resist 
the temptations, which accompany that condi- 
tion, as becometh Christians. Grant that they 
may now enter into the marriage covenant in Thy 



96 The Pastor s Manual 

fear, and truly keep the vows which they are about 
to make, according to Thy Word. Grant this, O 
our Father, by the presence of Thy ever gracious 
Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Then the minister shall say : — 

As a seal to the holy vow which you are about to 
make you shall now give each other the right 
hand; and say after me the marriage covenant: 

I do take thee 



to be my wedded wife; and in the presence of 
God, and before these witnesses, I promise and 
covenant, to be a loving and faithful husband 
unto thee, until death us do part. 

I do take thee , to be 

my wedded husband, and in the presence of God, 
and before these witnesses, I promise and cove- 
nant, to be a loving and faithful wife unto thee, 
until death us do part. 

(// a ring is used the man here shall place it upon 
the fourth finger of the ivoman's left hand. And the min- 
ister may say: Do you — — give this ring as a token of 

the covenant you have made? And do you accept 

this ring as a token of the covenant you have made?) 

Forasmuch as you have thus covenanted to- 
gether in holy wedlock, and have declared the 
same before God and these witnesses, I pronounce 
you to be husband and wife; in the Name of the 
Almighty and eveiioving God, our lleavenl\ 



Marr iage Serv ices 



Father. Whom He hath joined together let no 
man put asunder. 

And may Almighty God, who at the beginning 
did create our first parents, and did sanctify and 
join them in marriage, pour down upon you the 
riches of His grace, sanctify and bless you, that 
you may please Him both in body and soul, and 
may live together in holy love unto your lives' 
end. Amen. 

Let us pray. 

(Then may folloiv a brief pastoral prayer closing with the 
Lord's prayer, in which all the people shall join.) 

BENEDICTION. The peace of God, which 
passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and 
minds in the knowledge and love of God and of 
His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord; and the blessing 
of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the 
Holy Spirit be with you and remain with you 
always. Amen. 



IX 
FUNERAL SERVICES 



A SERVICE FOR GENERAL OCCASIONS 

PRAYERS 

THE SERVICE AT THE GRAVE 

OTHER SCRIPTURE SELECTIONS 

SALUTATIONS 

MORTALITY 

BEREAVEMENT 

CHILDREN 

YOUTH 

A WOMAN 

A MINISTER 

THE AGED 

COMFORT 

HOPE 

EXHORTATIONS 

VICTORY 

THE RESURRECTION 

THE HEAVENLY LIFE 

BENEDICTIONS 



THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 



A GENERAL SERVICE 

Lord, thou hast been our dwelling 
place in all generations. Before the 
mountains were brought forth, or ever 
thou hadst formed the earth and the 
world, even from everlasting to ever- 
lasting thou art God. 

Out of the depths have I cried unto 
thee, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice: 
Let thine ears be attentive to the voice 
of my supplications. If thou, Lord, 
shouldest mark iniquities, Lord, who 
shall stand? But there is forgiveness 
with thee, that thou mayest be feared. 

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, 
and in his word do I hope. My soul 
waiteth for the Lord more than they that 
watch for the morning: I say, more than 
they that watch for the morning. 

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow 
to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He 
will not always chide: neither will he 
keep his anger for ever. 

He hath not dealt with us after our 
sins; nor rewarded us according to our 

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102 The Pastor's Manual 

iniquities. For as the heaven is high 
above the earth, so great is his mercy 
toward them that fear him. As far as 
the east is from the west, so far hath he 
removed our transgressions from us. 

Like as a father pitieth his children, so 
the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 
For he knoweth our frame; he remem- 
beretl that we are dust. 

As for man, his days are as grass: as 
a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 
For the wind passeth over it, and it is 
gone; and the place thereof shall know 7 
it no more. 

But the mercy of the Lord is from ever- 
lasting to everlasting upon them that 
fear him, and his righteousness unto 
children's children; to such as keep his 
covenant, and to those that remember 
his commandments to do them. 

Why art thou cast down, my soul? 
and why art thou disquieted within me? 
hope thou in God : for I shall yet praise 
him, who is the health of my countenance, 
and my God. Wait on the Lord: be of 
good courage, and he shall strengthen 
thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord. 

[Here insert any other special selections.] 



Funeral Services 103 

■ 



Come unto me, all ye that labour and 
are heavy laden, saith our Lord, and I 
will give you rest. Take my yoke upon 
you, and learn of me; for I am meek and 
lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto 
your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my 
burden is light. 

Let not your heart be troubled: ye 
believe in God, believe also in me. In 
my Father's house are many mansions: if 
it w ere not so, I would have told you. I 
go to prepare a place for you. And if I 
go and prepare a place for you, I will come 
again, and receive you unto myself; that 
where I am, there ye may be also. 

These things I have spoken unto you, 
that in me ye might have peace. In the 
world ye shall have tribulation: but be 
of good cheer ; I have overcome the world. 

We would not have you to be ignorant, 
brethren, concerning them which are 
asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others 
which have no hope. For if we believe 
that Jesus died and rose again, even so 
them also which sleep in Jesus will God 
bring with him. 

Our light affliction, which is but for a 
moment, worketh for us a far more ex- 



104 The Pastor's Manual 

ceeding and eternal weight of glory; 
While we look not at the things which are 
seen, but at the things which are not 
seen: for the things which are seen are 
temporal; but the things which are not 
seen are eternal. 

We know that, if our earthly house of 
this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a 
building of God, an house not made with 
hands, eternal in the heavens. 

For our citizenship is in heaven; from 
whence also we look for the Saviour, the 
Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change 
our vile body, that it may be fashioned 
like unto his glorious body, according to 
the working whereby he is able even to 
subdue all things unto himself. 

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, 
neither have entered into the heart of 
man, the things which God hath pre- 
pared for them that love him. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his 
abundant mercy hath begotten us again 
unto a lively hope by the resurrection of 
Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inherit- 
ance incorruptible, and undefiled, and 
that fadeth not awav, reserved in heaven 



Funeral Services 105 



for you, who are kept by the power of 
God through faith unto salvation ready 
to be revealed in the last time. Wherein 
ye greatly rejoice, though nowfor a season, 
if need be, ye are in heaviness through 
manifold temptations: that the trial of 
your faith, being much more precious 
than of gold that perisheth, though it be 
tried with fire, might be found unto praise 
and honour and glory at the appearing of 
Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, 
ye love; in whom, though now ye see him 
not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy 
unspeakable and full of glory: receiving 
the end of your faith, even the salvation 
of your souls. 

Who shall separate us from the love of 
Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or 
persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or 
peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy 
sake we are killed all the day long; we are 
accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 
Nay, in all these things we are more 
than conquerors through him that loved 
us. For I am persuaded, that neither 
death, nor life, nor angels, nor principali- 
ties, nor powers, nor things present, nor 
things to come, nor height, nor depth, 
nor any other creature, shall be able to 



106 The Pastor s Manual 

separate us from the love of God, which is 
in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

For I am now ready to be offered, and 
the time of my departure is at hand. I 
have fought the good fight, I have fin- 
ished my course, I have kept the faith: 
henceforth there is laid up for me a 
crown of righteousness, which the Lord, 
the righteous judge, shall give me at that 
day: and not to me only, but unto all 
them also that love his appearing. 

Now is Christ risen from the dead, and 
become the firstfruits of them that slept. 
For since by man came death, by man 
came also the resurrection of the dead. 
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ 
shall all be made alive. But every man 
in his own order; Christ the firstfruits; 
afterward they that are Christ's at his 
coming. 

But some man will say, How are the 
dead raised up? and with what body do 
they come? Thou fool, that which thou 
so west is not quickened, except it die: 
and that which thou sowest, thou sowest 
not that body that shall be, but bare 
grain, it may chance of wheat, or of 
some other grain: but God giveth it a 
bodv as it hath pleased him, and to even 



Funeral Services ] 07 

seed his own body. All flesh is not the 
same flesh : but there is one kind of flesh 
of men, another flesh of beasts, another 
of fishes, and another of birds. There 
are also celestial bodies, and bodies ter- 
restrial: but the glory of the celestial is 
one, and the glory of the terrestrial is 
another. There is one glory of the sun, 
and another glory of the moon, and an- 
other glory of the stars: for one star 
differeth from another star in glory. So 
also is the resurrection of the dead. It is 
sown in corruption; it is raised in incor- 
ruption: it is sown in dishonour; it is 
raised in glory : it is sown in weakness ; it 
it raised in power; it is sown a natural 
body ; it is raised a spiritual body. There 
is a natural body, and there is a spiritual 
body. Howbeit that was not first which 
is spiritual, but that which is natural; 
and afterward that which is spiritual. 
And as we have borne the image of the 
earthly, we shall dso bear the image of 
the heavenly. 

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and 
blood cannot inherit the kingdom of 
God; neither doth corruption inherit in- 
corruption. Behold, I shew you a mys- 
tery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall 



108 The Pastor's Manual 

all be changed, in a moment, in the twink- 
ling of an eye, at the last trump : for the 
trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall 
be raised incorruptible, and we shall be 
changed. For this corruptible must put 
on incorruption, and this mortal must put 
on immortality. So when this corruptible 
shall have put on incorruption, and this 
mortal shall have put on immortality, 
then shall be brought to pass the saying 
that is written, Death is swallowed up in 
victory. O death, where is thy sting? 
grave, where is thy victory? The sting 
of death is sin; and the strength of sin 
is the law. But thanks be to God, which 
giveth us the victory .through our Lord 
Jesus Christ. 

And he showed me a pure river of 
water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding 
out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 
In the midst of the street of it, and on 
either side of the river, was there the tree 
of life, which bear twelve manner of 
fruits, and yielded her fruit every month : 
and the leaves of the tree were for the 
healing of the nations. And there shall 
be no more curse : but the throne of God 
and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his 
servants shall serve him: And they shall 



Funeral Services 109 



see his face; and his name shall be in 
their foreheads. And there shall be no 
night there; and they need no candle, 
neither light of the sun; for the Lord 
God giveth them light: and they shall 
reign forever and ever. Blessed are they 
that do his commandments, that they 
may have the right to the tree of life, and 
may enter in through the gates into the 
city. 

He which testifieth these things saith, 
Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even 
so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our 
Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 

Now unto him that is able to keep you 
from falling, and to present you faultless 
before the presence of his glory with ex- 
ceeding joy, to the only wise God our 
Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion 
and power, both now and ever. Amen. 

PRAYER AT THE SERVICE 

Let us pray: 

Almighty and most merciful God, we 
bow with reverence before Thee : remem- 
bering that Thou, who orderest all things 
according to Thine own will in heaven 
and earth, art also our loving Father, 



110 The Pastor's Manual 

who dost not willingly afflict or grieve 
the children of men, but dost correct us, 
that we may be partakers of Thy holiness. 

Blessed be Thy name, God, that in 
Thine unspeakable love Thou didst send 
Thy well-beloved Son into this world to 
be our Saviour. And for His sake we be- 
seech Thee to have pity upon us. Give 
us grace to lay to heart this and every 
warning of Thy providence. Cleanse 
us from all our iniquities: and sanctify 
us by Thy Holy Spirit, that whether we 
live, we may live unto the Lord, or whether 
we die, we may die unto the Lord ; whether 
we live or die, may we be the Lord's. 

Father of mercies and God of all com- 
fort, look down in tender love and pity 
upon Thy bereaved servants, so that, 
while they mourn, they may not murmur, 
or faint; but, remembering all Thy mer- 
cies, Thy promises, and Thy love in 
Christ, may resign themselves meekly 
into Thy hands, to be taught and guided 
by Thee. Convert them wholly to Tln- 
self, and fill their sorrowing hearts with 
Thy love, that they may cleave more 
closely to Thee, who bringest life out of 
death, and who canst turn their grief into 
eternal joy. 1 

1 Book of Common Order. 



Funeral Services 111 



God, who art the Strength of Thy 
saints and who redeemest the souls of 
Thy servants. We bless Thy Name for all 
those who have died in the Lord, and who 
now rest from their labours, having re- 
ceived the end of their faith, even the 
salvation of their souls. Especially we 
call to remembrance Thy lovingkindness 
and Thy tender mercies to this Thy ser- 
a ant. For all Thy goodness that with- 
held not his portion in the joys of this 
earthly life, and for Thy guiding hand 
along the way of his pilgrimage; we give 
Thee thanks and praise. Especially we 
bless Thee for Thy grace that kindled in 
his heart the love of Thy dear Name; 
that enabled him to fight the good fight, 
to endure unto the end, and to obtain the 
victory; yea, to become more than con- 
queror, through Him that loveth us. 
We magnify Thy holy Name that his 
trials and temptations being ended, sick- 
ness and death being passed, with all the 
dangers and difficulties of this mortal life, 
his spirit is at home in Thy presence, at 
whose right hand dwelleth eternal peace. 
And grant, Lord, we beseech Thee, 
that we who rejoice in the triumph of 
Thy saints may profit by their example, 
that becoming followers of their fail 1 1 



112 The Pastor s Manual 

and patience we also may enter with them 
into an inheritance incorruptible and un- 
defiled, and that fadeth not away ; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen} 

or this: 

Gracious Father, enable us Thy ser- 
vants to bow before Thee in humble 
submission to Thy Divine appointment. 
Draw us, we pray Thee, unto Thyself, 
that while we mourn the loss of him we 
have so much loved, we may obtain con- 
solation in the fuller knowledge of that 
love of Thine which at the first provided 
for us so great an earthly blessing: and 
grant us, when this life of trial is ended, 
to find with him who has been taken from 
us a merciful judgment in the last day 
and a joyful entrance into Thy glory; 
through the merits of Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 2 

or this: 

Heavenly Father, hear our voice out of 
the deep sorrow which Thou in Thy mys- 
terious wisdom hast brought upon us. 
We know that Thou art with us, and that 
whatsoever cometh is a revelation of 
Thine unchanging love. Thou knowest 

i The Hook of Common Worship. 
2 R. M. Bensou, A.D., 1875. 



Funeral Services 113 

what is best for us. Thy will be done. 
Thou gavest and Thou hast taken away, 
blessed be Thy Name. keep our souls 
from all the temptations of this hour of 
mourning, that we may neither sorrow 
as those without hope, nor lose our trust 
in Thee; but that the darker this earthly 
scene becometh the lighter may be our 
vision of that eternal world where all 
live before Thee. And grant that the 
remnant of this household, Lord, still 
being upon earth, may be steadfast in 
faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in 
love, and may so pass the waves of this 
troublesome world, that finally they may 
come to the land of everlasting life, there 
to reign with Thee, world without end; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. A men} 

or this: 

Lord, our heavenly Father, without 
Whom all purposes are frustrate, all 
efforts are vain, grant us the assistance 
of the Holy Spirit, that we may not sor- 
row as those without hope, but may now 
return to the duties of our present life 
with humble confidence in Thy protec- 
tion, and so govern our thoughts and 
actions that no business or work may 
ever withdraw our minds from Thee, but 

i Rev. L. Tuttiett, A.D. 1864. 



114 The Pastor s Manual 

that in the changes of this life we may 
fix our hearts upon the reward which 
Thou hast promised to them that serve 
Thee, and that whatever things are true, 
whatever things are honest, whatever 
things are just, whatever things are pure, 
whatever things are lovely, whatever 
things are of good report, wherein there 
is virtue, wherein there is praise, we may 
think upon and do, and obtain mercy, 
consolation, and everlasting happiness. 
Grant this, Lord, for the sake of Jesus 
Christ. 1 Amen. 

A PRAYER OF ST. CHRYSOSTOM 

Almighty God, who hast given us grace 
at this time with one accord to make our 
common supplications unto thee; and 
dost promise that when two or three are 
gathered together in thy Name thou 
wilt grant their requests; Fulfil now, 
Lord, the desires and petitions of thy 
servants, as may be most expedient for 
them; granting us in this world knowl- 
edge of thy truth, and in the world to 
come life everlasting. Amen. 

i Dr. S. Johnson, A.D. 1709. 



Funera I Serv ices 115 



THE SERVICE AT THE GRAVE. 

I am the resurrection and the life: he that be- 
lieveth in me, though he were dead yet shall he 
live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me 
shall never die. 

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in 
God, believe also in me. In my Father's house 
are many mansions: if it were not so I would 
have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 
And if I go and. prepare a place for you I will 
come again and receive you unto myself; that 
where I am, there ye may be also. 

I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, 
concerning them which are asleep; that ye sor- 
row not, even as the others which have no hope. 
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, 
even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God 
bring with him. s 

I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, 
Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the 
Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that 
they may rest from their labours; and then 
works do follow them. 



116 The Pastor s Manual 



A FORM OF COMMITMENT. 

Forasmuch as it has pleased Almighty God to 
take unto Himself the soul of the departed (or 
our friend, or this child), we therefore commit his 
body to the grave, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, 
dust to dust, in the sure and certain hope that as 
he has borne the image of the earthly, he shall 
also beai the image of the heavenly. 

The dust returns unto the earth as it was ; and 
the spirit has returned unto God who gave it. 

None of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to 
himself. For whether we live, we live unto the 
Lord; or whether we die, we die unto the Lord; 
whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. 

Let us pray: 

Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits 
of them that depart hence in the Lord, and with 
whom the souls of the faithful, after they are de- 
livered from the burden of the flesh are in joy and 
felicity; We give Thee hearty thanks for that it 
hath pleased Thee to deliver this our brother out 
of the miseries of this sinful world, beseeching 
Thee, that it may please Thee, of Thy gracious 
goodness, shortly to accomplish the number of 
Thine elect, and to hasten Thy kingdom ; that we, 
with all those that are departed in the true faith 
of Thy holy name, may have our perfect consum- 



Funeral Services 117 

mation and bliss, both in body and soul, in 
Thine eternal and everlasting glory; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 A men, 

O merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, who is the resurrection and the life; in 
whom whosoever believeth shall live, though he 
die: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Him 
shall not die eternally ; who also hath taught us by 
His holy apostle St. Paul not to be sorry, as men 
without hope, for them that sleep in Him ; we 
meekly beseech Thee, Father, to raise us from 
the death of sin unto the life of righteousness; 
that, when we shall depart this life, we may rest 
in Him, as our hope is this our brother doth; and 
that, at the general resurrection in the last day, 
we may be found acceptable in Thy sight, and 
receive that blessing which Thy well beloved Son 
shall then pronounce to all that love and fear 
Thee, saying " Come, ye blessed children of my 
Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you 
from the beginning of the world: " grant this, we 
beseech Thee, O merciful Father, through Jesus 
Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. 1 Amen. 

God, whose days are without end, and whose 
mercies cannot be numbered, make us, we beseech 
Thee, deeply sensible of the shortness and uncer- 
tainty of human life, and let Thy Holy Spirit lead 
us through this vale of misery in holiness and 

1 Book of Common Order. 



118 The Pastor's Manual 

righteousness all the days of our life; that when 
we shall have served Thee in our generation, we 
may be gathered unto our fathers, having the 
testimony of a good conscience ; in the confidence 
of a certain faith ; in the comfort of a reasonable, 
religious, and holy hope; in favour with Thee, 
our God; and in perfect charity with the world. 
Amen. 

Almighty God who by the death of Thy Son 
hast destroyed death, by His rest in the tomb 
hast sanctified the grave, and by His resurrection 
hast brought life and immortality to light; re- 
ceive our unfeigned thanks for that great victory 
over death and the grave which He hath obtained 
for us; and hasten, we beseech Thee, His second 
and glorious appearing, at whose coming Thy 
saints departed shall be raised, and those that 
are alive and remain shall be changed, and so 
shall we ever be with the Lord. Amen. 

BENEDICTION. 

Now the God of peace, that brought again from 
the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of 
the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting 
covenant, make you perfect in every good work 
to do His will, working in you that which is well- 
pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to 
whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 

or 



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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be 
with us all evermore. Amen. 

OTHER SELECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE 



I. SALUTATION. 

The Lord answer thee in the day of trouble; 
The name of the God of Jacob set thee up on 

high; 
Send thee help from the sanctuary, 
And strengthen thee ou of Zion; 
Remember all thy offerings, 
And accept thy burnt sacrifice; 
Grant thee thy heart's desire, 
And fulfill all thy counsel. — Psalm 20: i-4. 

II. MORTALITY. 

HUMAN FRAILTY. Job U: 1-2. 

Man that is born of a woman 

Is of few days, and full of trouble. 

He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: 

He fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. 

We bring our years to an end as a tale that is 

told. 
The days of our years are threescore years and 

ten, 
Or even by reason of strength fourscore years; 



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Yet is their pride but labour and sorrow; 
For it is soon gone, and we fly away. 
So teach us to number our days, 
That we may get us an heart of wisdom. 



THE SOJOURNER'S PRAYER. 

Psalm 39:4-6, 12. 

Lord, make me to know mine end, 

And the measure of my days, what it is; 

Let me know how frail I am. 

Behold, thou hast made my days as hand- 
breadths; 

And mine age is as nothing before thee: 

Surely every man .at his best estate is alto- 
gether vanity. 

Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: 

Surely they are disquieted in vain: 

He heapeth up riches and knoweth not who 
shall gather them. 

Surely every man is vanity. 

Hear my prayer, Lord, and give ear unto my 
cry; 

Hold not thy peace at my tears: 

For I am a stranger with thee 

And a sojourner, as all my fathers were. 

UNCERTAINTY OF LIFE. James U: 13-15. 

Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow 
we will go into this city, and spend a year there, 



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and trade, and get gain: whereas ye know not 
what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? 
For ye are a vapour, that appeareth for a little 
time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye 
ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall both 
live, and do this or that. 



III. BEREAVEMENT. 

Let us also, seeing we are compassed about 
with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every 
weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, 
and let us run with patience the race that is set 
before us, looking unto Jesus the author and per- 
fector of our faith, who for the joy that was set 
before him endured the cross, despising shame, 
and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne 
of God.— Hebrews 12:1-2. 

My son, regard not lightly the chastening of 

the Lord, 
Nor faint when thou art reproved of him; 
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, 
And scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 

All chastening seemeth for the present to be 
not joyous, but grievous: yet afterward it yield- 
eth peaceable fruit unto them that have been 
exercised thereby, even the fruit of righteousness. 



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IV. CHILDREN. 

CHILDLIKENESS. Matthew 18 : 1-6. 

In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, 
saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of 
heaven ? And he called to him a little child, 
and set him in the midst of them, and said, 
Verily, I say unto you, Except ye turn, and 
become as little children, ye shall in no wise 
enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever 
therefore shall humble himself as this little 
child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom 
of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such 
little child in my name receiveth me: but whoso 
shall cause one of these little ones which believe 
on me to stumble, it is profitable for him that a 
great millstone should be hanged about his neck 
and that he should be sunk in the depth of the 
sea. 

OUR FATHER'S WILL FOR THE LITTLE 

ONES. Matthew 18 : 10-1U. 

See that ye despise not one of these little 
ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their 
angels do always behold the face of my Father 
which is in heaven. How think ye? if any 
man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be 
gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and 
nine, and go unto the mountains, and seek that 



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which goeth astray? And if so be that he find 
it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth over it 
more than over the ninety and nine which have 
not gone astray. Even so it is not the will of 
your Father which is in heaven, that one of 
these little ones should perish. 

JESUS BLESSING LITTLE CHILDREN. 

Mark 10 : 13-16. 

And they brought unto him little children, 
that he should touch them: and the disciples 
rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was 
moved with indignation, and said unto them, 
suffer the little children to come unto me; for- 
bid them not: for of such is the kingdom of 
God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall 
not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, 
he shall in no wise enter therein. And he took 
them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his 
hands upon them. 

V. YOUTH. 

PRAYER OF THE ORPHAN. 

Psalm 27 : 7-11, 13, 14. 

Hear, Lord, when I cry with my voice: 
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart 
said unto thee, 



124 The Pastor's Manual 

Thy face, Lord, will I seek. 

Hide not thy face from me; 

Put not thy servant away in anger : 

Thou hast been my help; 

Cast me not off, neither forsake me, God of 

my salvation. 
For my Father and my mother have forsaken 

me, 
But the Lord will take me up. 
Teach me thy way, Lord; 
And lead me in a plain path. . . . 
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the 

goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 
Wait on the Lord: 

Be strong and let thine heart take courage; 
Yea, wait thou on the Lord. 

YOUTH OR AGE. Ecclesiastes 12: 1-8. 

Remember also thy Creator in the days of 
thy youth, or ever the evil days come, and the 
years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no 
pleasure in them ; or ever the sun, and the light, 
and the moon, and the stars, be darkened, and 
the clouds return after the rain : in the day when 
the keepers of the house shall tremble, and 
the strong men shall bow themselves, and the 
grinders cease because they are few, and those 
that look out of the windows be darkened, and 
the doors shall be shut in the street; when the 



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sound of the grinding is low, and one shall rise 
up at the voice of a bird, and all the daughters of 
music shall be brought low; yea, they shall be 
afraid of that which is high, and terrors shall be 
in the way; and the almond tree shall blossom, 
and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and the 
caper-berry shall fail: because man goeth to his 
long home, and the mourners go about the streets: 
or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden 
bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the 
fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern; and 
the dust return to the earth as it was and the 
spirit return unto God who gave it. Vanity of 
vanities, saith the Preacher, all is vanity. 

YOUNG MEN. Isaiah UO: 30, 31. 

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and 
the young men shall utterly fall: but they that 
wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; 
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they 
shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and 
not faint. 

VI. A WOMAN. 

THE WIDOW. Psalm U6: 1-10. 

Praise ye the Lord. 
Praise the Lord, my soul. 
While I live will I praise the Lord: 
I will sing praises unto my God while I have 
any being. 



126 The Pastors Manual 

Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his 

help, 
Whose hope is in the Lord his God : 
Which made heaven and earth, 
The sea, and all that in them is; 
Which keepeth truth for ever: 
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed; 
Which giveth food to the hungry: 
The Lord looseth the prisoners; 
The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind; 
The Lord raiseth up them that are bowed down; 
The Lord loveth the righteous; 
The Lord preserveth the strangers; 
He upholdeth the fatherless and widow. 
The Lord shall reign for ever, 
Thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. 
Praise ye the Lord. 

THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN. Proverbs 31 : 10-31. 

A virtuous woman who can find? 

For her price is far above rubies. 

The heart of her husband trusteth in her, 

And he shall have no lack of gain. 

She doeth him good and not evil. 

All the days of her life. 

She seeketh wool and flax, 

\nd worketh willingly with heir hands. 

She is like the merchant-ships; 

She bringeth her food from afar. 



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She riseth also while it is yet night, 

And giveth meat to her household, 

And their task to her maidens. 

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: 

With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vine- 
yard. 

She girdeth her loins with strength, 

And maketh strong her arms. 

She perceiveth that her merchandise is profit- 
able: 

Her lamp goeth not out by night. 

She layeth her hands to the distaff, 

And her hands hold the spindle. 

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor ; 

Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 

She is not afraid of the snow for her household; 

For all her household are clothed with scarlet. 

She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; 

Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 

Her husband is known in the gates, 

When he sitteth among the elders of the land. 

She maketh linen garments and selleth them ; 

And delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 

Strength and dignity are her clothing; 

And she laugheth at the time to come. 

She openeth her mouth with wisdom ; 

And the law of kindness is on her tongue. 

She looketh well to the ways of her household, 

And eateth not the bread of idleness. 

Her children rise up, and call her blessed; 



128 The Pastors Manual 

Her husband also, and he praiseth her, saying: 

Many daughters have done worthily, 

But thou excellest them all. 

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: 

But a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall 

be praised. 
Give her of the fruit of her hands; 
And let her works praise her in the gates. 

VII. A MINISTER. 

A MINISTER OR PUBLIC MAN. 

2 Kings 2: 9-12. 
And it came to pass, when they were gone 
over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I 
shall do for thee, before I be taken from thee. 
. . . And it came to pass, as they still went 
on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a 
chariot of fire, and horses of fire, which parted 
them both asunder; and Elijah went up by 
a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, 
and he cried, My father, my father, the chariots 
of Israel and the horsemen thereof ! And he 
saw him no more. 

THE PUBLISHER OF PEACE. Isaiah: 52 7-9. 

How beautiful upon the mountains are the 
feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that 
publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of 
good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto 



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Zion, Thy God reigneth! The voice of thy 
watchmen! they lift up the voice, together do 
they sing; for they shall see, eye to eye, when 
the Lord returneth to Zion. Break forth into 
joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusa- 
lem: for the Lord hath comforted his people, 
he hath redeemed Jerusalem. 

THE MINISTER'S WORK. Isaiah 61: 1-3. 

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; be- 
cause the Lord hath anointed me to preach good 
tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind 
up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to 
the captives, and the opening of the prison to 
them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable 
year of the Lord, and the day of vengence of our 
God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint 
unto them that mourn m Zion, to give unto them 
a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, 
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; 
that they might be called trees of righteousness, 
the planting of the Lord, that he might be 
glorified. 

THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL BE IN EVER- 
LASTING REMEMBRANCE. 

Ecclesiasticus 44. 

Be glad in the Lord, O ye righteous, 
And give thanks at the remembrance of his 
holiness. 



130 The Pastor's Manual 

ye that love the Lord, hate evil: 

He preserveth the souls of his saints. 

Light is sown for the righteous, And gladness for 
the upright in heart. 

Though a good life have but a few days, 

Yet a good name endureth for ever. 

The righteous shall be in everlasting remem- 
brance. 

And the memory of the just shall be blessed. 

Let us call to remembrance the great and good, 
Through whom the Lord hath wrought great 

glory. 
Those who were leaders of the people by their 

judgment, 
Giving counsel by their understanding and fore- 
sight; 
Wise and eloquent in their teachings, 
And through knowledge and might fit helpers of 

the people. 
All these were honored in their generation, And 

were the glory of their times. 
Their bodies are buried in peace. But their 

name liveth for evermore. 
The people will tell of their wisdom. 
And the congregation will show forth their praise. 
For the memorial of virtue is immortal, 
Because it is known with God and with men. 
When it is present, mankind take example from 

it; 



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And when it is gone they earnestly desire it. 
It weareth a crown, and triumpheth for ever, 
Having gotten the victory striving for undefiled 

rewards. 
There be some who have left a name behind 

them, 
Whose remembrance is sweet as honey in all 

mouths; 
And there be some who have no memorial, 
Who are perished as though they had never 

been; 
But their righteousness hath not been forgotten, 
And the glory of their work cannot be blotted 

out. 

The souls of the righteous are in the hand of 

God; 
And there shall no torment touch them. 
Tn the sight of the unwise they seemed to die, 
And their departure is taken for misery. 
And their going from us to be utter destruction ; 
But they are in peace; For though they be 

punished in the sight of men, 
Yet is their hope full of immortality. 
Having been a little chastened, they shall be 

greatly rewarded; 
For God proved them, and found them worthy 

for himself. 
As gold in the furnace hath he tried them, 
And received them as a burnt offering. 



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The faithful in love shall abide with him, 

For grace and mercy is to his saints. 

The righteous live for evermore; 

Their reward is with the Lord, 

And the care of them is with the Most High. 

Therefore shall they receive a glorious kingdom, 

And a crown of beauty from the Lord's hand. 

VIII. COMFORT. 

THE PRAYER OF THE RIGHTEOUS. 

Psalm 25: 1-5, 12, 13. 

Unto thee, Lord, do I lift up my soul. 

my God, in thee have I trusted, 

Let me not be ashamed; . . . 

Yea, none that wait on thee shall be ashamed: . . . 

Shew me thy ways, Lord; 

Teach me thy paths. 

Guide me in thy truth, and teach me; 

For thou art the God of my salvation ; 

On thee do I wait all the day. 

What man is he that feareth the Lord? 

Him shall he instruct in the way that he shall 

choose. 
His soul shall dwell at ease ; 
And his seed shall inherit the land. 

GOD OUR REFUGE. Psalm M: 1-3. 

God is our refuge and strength, 
A very present help in trouble. 



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Therefore will we not fear, though the earth do 

change, 
And though the mountains be moved in the 

heart of the seas. 

THE AGED. 

THE AGED. Proverbs 16: 31. 

The hoary head is a crown of glory, 

If it be found in the way of righteousness. 

DEPARTING IN PEACE. Luke 2: 25-30: 

Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose 
name was Simeon; and this man was righteous 
and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: 
and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had 
been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that 
he should not see death, before he had seen the 
Lord's Christ, and he . . . blessed God, and said, 

Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, 
According to thy word, in peace; 
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation. 

A GOOD MAN. Acts 11: 23, 24. 

And he exhorted them all, that with purpose 
of heart they would cleave unto the Lord: for 
he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost 
and of faith: and much people was added unto 
the Lord. 



134 The Pastor s Manual 

THE AGED SAINT. 2 Timothy U: 6-8. 

For I am already being offered, and the time 
of my departure is come. I have fought the 
good fight, I have finished the course, I have 
kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for 
me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, 
the righteous judge, shall give to me at that 
day: and not only to me, but also to all them 
that have loved his appearing. 

REFUGE IN GOD. Psalm 61: 1-U. 

Hear my cry, God; 

Attend unto my prayer. 

From the end of the earth will I call unto thee, 

when my heart is overwhelmed: 
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 
For thou hast been a refuge for me, 
A strong tower from the enemy. 
I will dwell in thy tabernacle for ever: 
I will take refuge in the covert of thy wings. 

COMFORT FOR GOD'S PEOPLE. 

Isaiah kO: 1-5. 

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your 
God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and 
cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, 
that her iniquity is pardoned; that she hath re- 
ceived of the Lord's hand double for all her sins. 

The voice of one that crieth, Prepare ye in the 
wilderness the way of the Lord, make straight 



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in the desert a high way for our God. Every 
valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and 
hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be 
made straight, and the rough places plain: and 
the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all 
flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the 
Lord hath spoken it. 

STRENGTH IN GOD. Isaiah 40: 25-29. 

To whom then will ye liken me, that I should 
be equal to him? saith the Holy One. Lift up 
your eyes on high, and see who hath created 
these, that bringeth out their host by number: 
he calleth them all by name; by the greatness 
of his might, and for that he is strong in power, 
not one is lacking. 

Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, 
Israel, My way is hid from thef Lord, and my 
judgment is passed away from my God? Hast 
thou not known? hast thou not heard? the 
everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the 
ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary; 
there is no searching of his understanding. 
He giveth power to the faint; and to him that 
hath no might he increaseth strength. 

GOD AFFLICTED WITH HIS PEOPLE. 

Isaiah 63: 7-9. 

I will make mention of the lovingkindnesses 
of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, ac- 



136 The Pastors Manual 

cording to all that the Lord hath bestowed on 
us; and the great goodness toward the house of 
Israel, which he hath bestowed on them accord- 
ing to his mercies, and according to the multi- 
tude of his lovingkindnesses. For he said. 
Surely, they are my people, children that will 
not deal falsely: so he was their saviour. In 
all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel 
of his presence saved them: in his love and in 
his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, 
and carried them all the days of old 

GOD'S THOUGHTS TOWARD US. 

Jeremiah 29: 11-13. 

For I know the thoughts that I think toward 
you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and 
not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end. 
And ye shall call upon me, and ye shall go and 
pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye 
shall search for me with all your heart. 

THE LORD'S MERCIES. 

Lamentations 3: 22-33. 

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not con- 
sumed, because his compassions fail not. 

They are new every morning; great is thy 
faithfulness. 



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The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; there- 
fore will I hope in him. 

The Lord is good unto them that wait for him 
to the soul that seeketh him. 

It is good that a man should hope and quietly 
wait for the salvation of the Lord. 

For the Lord will not cast off for ever. 

For though he cause grief, yet will he have 
compassion according to the multitude of his 
mercies. 

For he doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the 
children of men. 

THE BREAD OF LIFE. John 6: 35-58. 

Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: 
he that cometh to me shall not hunger, and he 
that believeth on me shall never thirst. But 
I said unto you, that ye have seen me, and yet 
believe not. All that which the Father giveth 
me shall come unto me; and him that cometh 
to me I will in no wise cast out. For I am 
come down from heaven, not to do mine own 
will, but the will of him that sent me. And 
this is the will of him that sent me, that of all 
that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, 
but should raise it up at the last day. For this 
is the will of my Father, that every one that be- 



138 The Pastor s Manual 

holdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should 
have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the 
last day. 

The Jews therefore murmured concerning 
hirn, because he said, I am the bread which 
came down out of heaven. And they said, Is 
not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father 
and mother we know? how doth he now say, I 
am come down out of heaven? Jesus answered 
and said unto them, Murmur not among your- 
selves. No man can come to me, except the 
Father which sent me draw him: and I will 
raise him up in the last day. It is written in the 
prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. 
Every one that hath heard the Father, and 
hath learned, cometh unto me. Not that any 
man hath seen the Father, save he which is from 
God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, 
I say unto you, He that believeth hath eternal 
life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers did 
eat the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 
This is the bread which cometh down out of 
heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 
I am the living bread which came down out of 
heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall 
live for ever: yea and the bread which I will give 
is my flesh, for the life of the world. 

The Jews therefore strove one with another, 
saying, How can this man give us his flesh to 



Funeral Serv ices 1 39 

eat? Jesus therefore said unto them, Verily 
verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh 
of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have 
not life in yourselves. He that eateth my flesh 
and drinketh my blood hath eternal life; and 1 
will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh 
is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 
He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood 
abideth in me, and I in him. As the living 
Father sent me, and I live because of the Father; 
so he that eateth me, he also shall live because of 
me. This is the bread which came down out of 
heaven, not as the fathers did eat, and died: he 
that eateth this bread shall live for ever. 

THE GOOD SHEPHERD. John 10: 7-16. 

Jesus therefore said unto them again, Verily, 
verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the 
sheep. All that come before me are thieves 
and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he 
shall be saved, and shall go in and go out and 
shall find pasture. The thief cometh not, but 
that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came 
that they may have life, and may have it abun- 
dantly. I am the good shepherd: the good 
shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep. 
He that is a hireling, and not a shepherd, whose 
own the sheep are not, beholdeth the wolf coming, 



140 The Pastors Manual 

and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf 
snatcheth them, and scatter eth them: he fleeth 
because he is a hireling, and careth not for the 
sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know 
mine own, and mine own know me, even as the 
Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and 
I lay down my life for the sheep. And other 
sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them 
also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; 
and they shall become one flock, one shepherd. 

ANOTHER COMFORTER. John 1U: 15-23. 

If ye love me, ye will keep my command- 
ments. And I will pray the Father, and he 
shall give you another Comforter, that he may 
be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth: 
whom the world cannot receive; for it behold- 
eth him not, neither knoweth him: ye know 
him; for he abideth with you, and shall be 
in you. I will not leave you desolate: I come 
unto you. Yet a little while, and the world be- 
holdeth me no more; but ye behold me : because 
I live, ye shall live also. In that day ye shall 
know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and 
I in you. He that hath my commandments, 
and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and 
he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, 
and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto 
him. Judas (not Iscariot) saith unto him, Lord, 



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what is come to pass that thou wilt manifest thy- 
self unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus 
answered and said unto him, If a man love me, 
he will keep my word: and my Father will love 
him, and we will come unto him, and make our 
abode with him. 

PEACE IN HIS WORDS. John 16:33. 

These things have I spoken unto you, that in 
me ye may have peace. In the world ye have 
tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have over- 
come the world. 

ETERNAL COMFORT. 

2 Thessalonians 2: 16, 17. 

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God 
our Father who loved us and gave us eternal 
comfort and good hope through grace, comfort 
your hearts and establish them in every good 
work and word. 

X. HOPE. 

MY SHEPHERD. Psalm 23: 1-6. 

The Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not want. 
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: 
He leadeth me beside the still waters. 
He restoreth my soul: 



142 The Pastor's Manual 

He guideth me in the paths of righteousness 
for his name's sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the 
shadow of death, 

[ will fear no evil ; for thou art with me : 

Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the pres- 
ence of mine enemies: 

Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup 
runneth over. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all 
the days of my life: 

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. 



XI. EXHORTATIONS. 

READINESS FOR A SUDDEN CALL. 

Matthew 24: 36-47. 

But of that day and hour knoweth no one, 
not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son. 
but the Father only. And as were the days of 
Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of man. 
For as in those days which were before the flood 
they were eating and drinking, marrying and 
giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered 
into the ark, and they knew not until the flood 
came, and took them all away; so shall be the 
coming of the Son of man. Then shall two men 
be in the field; one is taken, and one is left: two 



Funeral Services 143 

women shall be grinding at the mill; one is taken, 
and one is left. Watch therefore: for ye know 
not on what day your Lord cometh. But know 
this, that it the master of the house had known in 
what watch the thief was coming, he would 
have watched, and would not have suffered his 
house to be broken through. Therefore be ye 
also ready: for in an hour that ye think not 
the Son of man cometh. Who then is the faithful 
and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over 
his household, to give them their food in due 
season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord 
when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say 
unto you, that he will set him over all that he hath. 

WATCHFULNESS. Mark 13: 33-37. 

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know 
not when the time is. It is as when a man, so- 
journing in another country, having left his 
house, and given authority to his servants, to 
each one his work, commanded also the porter to 
watch. Watch therefore: for ye know not when 
the Lord of the house cometh, whether at even, 
or at midnight, or at cockcrowing, or in the morn- 
ing; lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. 
And what I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch. 

FAITHFULNESS. Luke 12: 35-44. 

Let your loins be girded about, and your 
lamps burning; and be yourselves like unto 



144 The Pastors Manual 

men looking for their lord, when he shall return 
from the marriage feast; that, when he cometh 
and knocketh, they may straightway open unto 
him. Blessed are those servants, whom the 
lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily 
I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and 
make them sit down to meat, and shall come 
and serve them. And if he shall come in the 
second watch, and if in the third, and find them 
so, blessed are those servants. But know this, 
that if the master of the house had known in 
what hour the thief was coming, he would have 
watched, and not have left his house to be 
broken through. Be ye also ready: for in an 
hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh. 
And Peter said, Lord, sp^akest thou this 
parable unto us, or even unto all? And the Lord 
said, Who then is the faithful and wise steward, 
whom his lord shall set over his household, 
to give them their portion of food in due 
season? Blessed is that servant, whom bis 
lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a 
truth I say unto you, that he will set him over 
all that he hath. 



THE ARMOUR OF GOD. Ephesians 6: 10-18. 

Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the 
strength of his might. Put on the whole armour 
of God, that \e may be able to stand against 



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the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not 
against flesh and blood, but against the princi- 
palities, against the powers, against the world- 
rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual 
hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 
Wherefore take up the whole armour of God, 
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil 
day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand 
therefore, having girded your loins with truth, 
and having put on the breastplate of righteous- 
ness, and having shod your feet with the prepara- 
tion of the gospel of peace; withal taking up the 
shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to 
quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And 
take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of 
the Spirit, which is the word of God: with all 
prayer and supplication praying at all seasons 
in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all 
perseverance and supplication for all the saints. 



SUDDEN DEATH. 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11. 

But concerning the times and the seasons, 
brethren, ye have no need that aught be written 
unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that 
the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the 
night. When they are saying, Peace and safety, 
then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as 
travail upon a woman with child; and they shall 
in no wise escape. But ye, brethren, are not in 



146 The Pastor s Manual 

darkness, that that day should overtake you as 
a thief: for ye are all sons of light, and sons 
of the day: we are not of the night, nor of dark- 
ness; so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but 
let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep 
sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are 
drunken in the night. But let us, since we are 
of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate 
of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of 
salvation. For God appointed us not unto wrath, 
but unto the obtaining of salvation through our 
Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether 
we wake or sleep, we should live together with 
him. Wherefore exhort one another, and build 
each other up, even as also ye do. 

XII. VICTORY. 

REJOICING IN DELIVERANCE. 

Psalm 31:7, 14, 16 19, 23. 

I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy : 

For thou hast seen my affliction; 

Thou hast known my soul in adversities : 

And thou hast not shut me up into the hand of 

the enemy; 
Thou hast set my feet in a large place. 
I said, Thou art my God. 
My times are in thy hand : 
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: 



Funeral Services 147 



Save me in thy lovingkindness. 

Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have 

called upon thee: . . . 
Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast 

laid up for them that fear thee, 
Which thou hast wrought for them that put 

their trust in thee, before the sons of men! . . . 
Blessed be the Lord: 
love the Lord, all ye his saints: 
The Lord preserveth the faithful, 
And plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. 
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, 
All ye that hope in the Lord. 

THE REDEMPTION OF THE BODY. 

The Spirit himself beareth witness with our 
spirit, that we are children of God: and if chil- 
dren, then heirs: heirs of God, and joint-heirs 
with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, 
that we may be also glorified with him. 

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present 
time are not worthy to be compared with the 
glory which shall be revealed to us-ward. For 
the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth 
for the revealing of the sons of God. For we 
know that the whole creation groaneth and trav- 
aileth in pain together until now. And not 
only so, but ourselves also, which have the first- 
fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within 



148 The Pastor s Manual 

ourselves, waiting for our adoption, to wit, the 
redemption of our body. For by hope were we 
saved: but hope that is seen is not hope for who 
hopeth for that which he seeth? But if we hope 
for that which we see not, then do we with 
patience wait for it. 

XIII. THE RESURRECTION. 

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS 

Matthew 28: 1-10. 

Now late on the sabbath day, as it began to 
dawn toward the first day of the week, came 
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the 
sepulchre. And behold, there was a great 
earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended 
from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, 
and sat upon it. His appearance was as lightning, 
and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of 
him the watchers did quake, and became as dead 
men. And the angel answered and said unto the 
women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek 
Jesus, which hath been crucified. He is not here; 
for he is risen, even as he said. Come, see the 
place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and 
tell his disciples, He is risen from the dead; and 
lo, he goeth before you into Galilee; there 
shall ye see him: lo I have told you. And 
they departed quickly from the tomb with fear 
and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples 



Funeral Services 149 



word. And behold, Jesus met them, saying, All 
hail. And they came and took hold of his feet, 
and worshipped him. Then saith Jesus unto 
them, Fear not, go tell my brethren that they 
depart into Galilee, and there shall they see me. 

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS. 

Luke 24: 1-6. 

But on the first day of the week, at early 
dawn, they came unto the tomb, bringing the 
spices which they had prepared. And they 
found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 
And they entered in, and found not the body of 
the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, while 
they were perplexed thereabout, behold, two 
men stood by them in dazzling apparel: and as 
they were affrighted, and bowed down their 
faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why 
seek ye the living among the dead? He is not 
here, but is risen. 

THE VOICE OF THE SON OF GOD. 

John 5: 19-29. 

Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, 
Verily, verily I say unto you, The Son can 
do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the 
Father doing: for what things soever he doeth, 
these the Son also doeth in like manner. For 
the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him 
all things that himself doeth: and greater works 



150 The Pastor's Manual 

than these will he shew him, that ye may mar- 
vel. For as the Father raiseth the dead and 
quickeneth them, even so the Son also quiek- 
eneth whom he will. For neither doth the 
Father judge any man, but he hath given all 
judgment unto the Son; that all may honour 
the Son, even as they honour the Father. I Jo 
that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the 
Father which sent him. Verily, verily, I say 
unto you, He that heareth my word, and be- 
lieveth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and 
cometh not into judgment, but hath passed 
out of death into life. Verily, verily, I say unto 
you, The hour cometh, and now is, when the 
dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; 
and they that hear shall live. For as the Father 
hath life in himself, even so gave he to the Son also 
to have life in himself: and he gave him authority 
to execute judgment, because he is the Son of 
man. Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, 
in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his 
voice, and shall come forth; they that have done 
good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that 
have done ill, unto the resurrection of judgment. 

DEAD AND RAISED WITH CHRIST. 

Colossians 3: l-U. 

If then ye were raised together with Christ, 
seek the things that are above, where Christ is, 



Funeral Services 151 

seated on the right hand of God. Set your 
mind on the things that are above, not on the 
things that are upon the earth. For ye died, 
and your life is hid with Christ in God. When 
Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, 
then shall ye also with him be manifested in 
gh>ry. 

XIV. THE HEAVENLY LIFE. 

THE KINGS WELCOME. 

Matthew 25: 34-40. 

Then shall the King say unto them on his 
right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, 
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the 
foundation of the world: for I was an hungred, 
and ye gave me meat: I Avas thirsty, and ye 
gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took 
me in; naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, 
and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came 
unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, 
saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, 
and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink? 
And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee 
in? or naked, and clothed thee? And when saw 
we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 
And the King shall answer and say unto them, 
Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto 
one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did 
it unto me. 



152 The Pastor's Manual 

THE PRAISE AND PEACE OF HEAVEN. 

Revelation 7 : 9-17. 

After these things I saw, and behold, a great 
multitude, which no man could number, out of 
every nation, and of all tribes and peoples and 
tongues, standing before the throne and before 
the Lamb, arrayed in white robes, and palms in 
their hands; and they cry with a great voice, 
saying, Salvation unto our God which sitteth on 
the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the 
angels were standing round about the throne, 
and about the elders and the four living crea- 
tures; and they fell before the throne on their 
faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen: 
Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanks- 
giving, and honour, and power, and might, be 
unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. And 
one of the elders answered, saying unto me, 
These which are arrayed in the white robes, 
who are they, and whence came they? And 
I say unto him, My Lord, thou knowest. And 
he said to me, These are they which come 
out of the great tribulation, and they washed 
their robes, and made them white in the blood 
of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the 
throne of God; and they serve him day and 
night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the 
throne shall spread his tabernacle over them. 
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any 



Funeral Services 153 

more: neither shall the sun strike upon them, 
nor any heat: for the Lamb which is in the 
midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, 
and shall guide them unto fountains of waters 
of life: and God shall wipe away every tear 
from their eyes. 

THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE DEAD. 

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, 
Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the 
Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, 
that they may rest from their labours; for their 
works follow with them. 

THE NEW HEAVEN. Revelation 21: 1-5. 

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: 
for the first heaven and the first earth are passed 
away; and the sea is no more. And I saw the 
holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out 
of heaven from God, made ready as a bride 
adorned for her husband. And I heard a great 
voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the 
tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall 
dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, 
and God himself shall be with them, and be 
their God: and he shall wipe away every tear 
from their eyes; and death shall be no more; 
neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, 
nor pain, any more: the first things are passed 



154 The Pastor's Manual 

away. And he that sitteth on the throne, said, 
Behold, I make all things new. 

THE HOLY CITY. 

Revelation 21: 10-13, 22-26. 

And he carried me away in the Spirit to a 
mountain great and high, and shewed me the 
holy city Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven 
from God, having the glory of God: her light 
was like unto a stone most precious, as it were 
a jasper stone, clear as crystal: having a wall 
great and high; having twelve gates, and at the 
gates twelve angels; and names written thereon 
which are the names of the tw r elve tribes of the 
children of Israel: on the east were three gates; 
and on the north three gates; and on the south 
three gates; and on the west three gates. 

And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord 
God the Almighty, and the Lamb, are the tem- 
ple thereof. And the city hath no need of the 
sun, neither of the moon, to shine upon it: for 
the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp 
thereof is the Lamb. And the nations shall 
walk amidst the light thereof: and the kings of 
the earth do bring their glory into it. And the 
gates thereof shall in no wise be shut by da> 
(for there shall be no night there): and they 
shall bring the glory and the honour of the 
nations into it. 



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XV. BENEDICTIONS. 

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: 

The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, 
and be gracious unto thee: 

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, 
and give thee peace. — Numbers 6: 2U-26. 

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and 
peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, 
in the power of the Holy Ghost. — Romans 15: 13. 

Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. 

— Romans 15: 33. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the 
love of God, and the communion of the Holy 
Ghost, be with you all. — 2 Corinthians 13: lb. 

And the peace of God, which passeth all 
understanding, shall guard your hearts and your 
thoughts in Christ Jesus. — Philippians U: 7. 

Now the God of peace, who brought again 
from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep 
with the blood of the eternal covenant, even 
our Lord Jesus, make you perfect in every good 
thing to do his will, working in us that which is 
well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; 
to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

— Hebrews 13:20, 21. 



156 The Pastor's Manual 

Now unto him that is able to guard you from 
stumbling and to set you before the presence 
of his glory without blemish in exceeding joy, 
to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, 
and power, before all time, and now, and for- 
evermore. Amen. — Jude 24, 25. 



THE CONGREGATIONAL CREEDS 



THE APOSTLES' GREED 

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL COMMISSION'S CREED OF 1883 

KANSAS CITY PLATFORM AND CREED, 1913 



CREEDS 



The Congregational churches have never adopted a 
common creed; nor could they without the separate action 
of each particular church. 

By general consent the Apostles' Creed is accepted as 
an expression of the historic facts which underlie the 
Christian faith. Though not of apostolic origin, this is 
the earliest formulated Christian creed. 

I. THE APOSTLES' CREED. 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven 
and earth: 

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; Who was 
conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary; 
Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead and 
buried; He descended into hell, The third day he rose 
from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth 
on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From 
thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholic Church, 
The Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; 
The resurrection of the body; And the Life everlasting. 
Amen. 

II. THE NATIONAL COUNCIL COMMISSION'S 
CREED. 

The Creed prepared by the National Council Com- 
mission, appointed in November, 1880, and presented for 
the consideration of the churches, December, 1883, is as 
follows: — 

159 



160 The Pastors Manual 



I. We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker 
of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; 

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who is 
of one substance with the Father; by whom all things 
were made; 

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, 
who is sent from the Father and Son, and who together 
with the Father and Son is worshiped and glorified. 

II. We believe that the Providence of God, by which 
he executes his eternal purposes in the government of 
the world, is in and over all events; yet so that the free- 
dom and responsibility of man are not impaired, and sin 
is the act of the creature alone. 

III. We believe that man was made in the image of 
God, that he might know, love, and obey God, and enjoy 
him forever; that our first parents by disobedience fell 
under the righteous condemnation of God; and that all 
men are so alienated from God that there is no salvation 
from the guilt and power of sin except through God's 
redeeming grace. 

IV. We believe that God would have all men return to 
him; that to this end he has made himself known, not 
only through the works of nature, the course of his provi- 
dence, and the consciences of men, but also through 
supernatural revelations made especially to a chosen people 
and above all, when the fulness of time was come, through 
Jesus Christ his Son. 

V. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New 
Testaments are the record of God's revelation of himself 
in the work of redemption; that they were written by 
men under the special guidance of the Holy Spirit; that 
they are able to make wise unto salvation; and that the> 
constitute the authoritative standard by which religious 
teaching and human conduct are to be regulated and 
judged. 



The Congregational Creeds 161 



VI. We believe that the love of God to sinful men has 
found its highest expression in the redemptive work of his 
Son; who became man, uniting his divine nature with our 
human nature in one person; who was tempted like other 
men, yet without sin; who, by his humiliation, his holy 
obedience, his sufferings, his death on the cross, and 
his resurrection, became a perfect Redeemer; whose sac- 
rifice of himself for the sins of the world declares the 
righteousness of God, and is the sole and sufficient ground 
of forgiveness and of reconciliation with Him. 

VII. We believe that Jesus Christ, after he had risen 
from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, as the one 
Mediator between God and man, he carries forward his 
work of saving men; that he sends the Holy Spirit to 
convict them of sin, and to lead them to repentance and 
faith; and that those who through renewing grace turn to 
righteousness, and trust in Jesus Christ as their Redeemer, 
receive for his sake the forgiveness of their sins, and are 
made the children of God. 

VIII. W 7 e believe that those who are thus regenerated 
and justified, grow in sanctified character through fellow- 
ship with Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and 
obedience to the truth; that a holy life is the fruit and 
evidence of saving faith; and that the believer's hope of 
continuance in such a life is in the preserving grace of 
God. 

IX. We believe that Jesus Christ came to establish 
among men the kingdom of God, the reign of truth and 
love, righteousness and peace; that to Jesus Christ, the 
Head of this Kingdom, Christians are directly responsible 
in faith and conduct; and that to him all have imme- 
diate access without mediatorial or priestly intervention. 

X. We believe that the Church of Christ, invisible and 
spiritual, comprises all true believers, whose duty it is to 



162 The Pastor s Manual 

associate themselves in churches, for the maintenance of 
worship, for the promotion of spiritual growth and fellow- 
ship, and for the conversion of men; that these churches, 
under the guidance of the Holy Scriptures and in fellow- 
ship with one another, may determine — each for itself — 
their organization, statements of belief, and forms of 
worship; may appoint and set apart their own ministers, 
and should cooperate in the work which Christ has com- 
mitted to them for the furtherance of the gospel through- 
out the world. 

XI. We believe in the observance of the Lord's day, 
as a day of holy rest and worship; in the ministry of the 
Word; and in the two Sacraments, which Christ has 
appointed for his church: Baptism to be administered to 
believers and their children, as the sign of cleansing from 
sin, of union to Christ, and of the impartation of the 
Holy Spirit; and the Lord's Supper as a symbol of his 
atoning death, a seal of its efficacy, and a means whereby 
he confirms and strengthens the spiritual union and com- 
munion of believers with himself. 

XII. We believe in the ultimate prevalence of the 
kingdom of Christ over all the earth; in the glorious 
appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, 
in the resurrection of the dead; and in a final judgment, 
the issues of which are everlasting punishment, and ever- 
lasting life. 

iri KANSAS CITY PLATFORM AND CREED 
Adopted Oct. 25, 1913 

Preamble of the New Constitution 

The Congregational churches of the United States, by 
delegates in National Council assembled, reserving all the 
rights and cherished memories belonging to this organiza- 
tion under its former constitution, and declaring the stead- 



The Congregational Creeds 163 

fast allegiance of the churches composing the Council to 
the faith which our fathers confessed, which from age to 
age has found its expression in the historic creeds of the 
Church universal and of this communion, and affirming 
our loyalty to the basic principles of our representative 
democracy, hereby set forth the things most surely be- 
lieved among us concerning faith, polity and fellowship: 

Faith, We believe in God the Father infinite in wisdom, 
goodness and love; and in Jesus Christ, his Son, our Lord 
and Saviour, who for us and our salvation lived and died 
and rose again and liveth evermore; and in the Holy Spirit 
who taketh of the things of Christ and revealeth them to 
us, renewing, comforting and inspiring the souls of men. 
We are united in striving to know the will of God as taught 
in the Holy Scriptures, and in our purpose to walk in the 
ways of the Lord, made known or to be made known to us. 
We hold it to be the mission of the Church of Christ to 
proclaim the gospel to all mankind, exalting the worship of 
the one true God, and laboring for the progress of knowl- 
edge, the promotion of justice, the reign of peace and the 
realization of human brotherhood. Depending as did our 
fathers, upon the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit to 
lead us into all truth, we work and pray for the transfor- 
mation of the world into the kingdom of God; and we 
look with faith for the triumph of righteousness and the 
life everlasting. 

Polity. We believe in the freedom and responsibility 
of the individual soul and the right of private judgment. 
We hold to the autonomy of the local church and its inde- 
pendence of all ecclesiastical control. We cherish the 
fellowship of the churches, united in district, state and na- 
tional bodies, for counsel and cooperation in matters of 
common concern. 

The Wider Fellowship. While affirming the liberty of 
our churches, and the validity of our ministry, we hold to 



164 The Pastor s Manual 



the unity and catholicity of the Church of Christ, and will 
unite with all its branches in hearty cooperation ; and will 
earnestly seek, so far as in us lies, that the prayer of our 
Lord for his disciples may be answered, that they all may 
be one. 



XI 



ORDER OF PROCEDURE 
AT ECCLESIASTICAL COUNCILS 



TO ORGANIZE A CHURCH 

TO ORDAIN OR INSTALL A PASTOR 

TO DISMISS A PASTOR 



ORDER OF PROCEDURE AT 
ECCLESIASTICAL COUNCILS 



THE ORGANIZATION OF A CHURCH 

Preliminary meetings are usually held in an informal 
way to consider the propriety and possibility of such a 
step. 

To the meeting to take formal action all should be 
invited who have expressed their willingness to take part 
in such a movement. They should elect a chairman and 
clerk, and, after prayer, should by vote decide to proceed 
to take steps toward the organization of a church. Com- 
mittees should be appointed to draft or recommend a form 
of Creed, Covenant, and By-Laws, to secure the letters 
of those proposing to come from other churches, and the 
names of those proposing to make confession of faith in 
Christ. For a form of Creed and Covenant, see page 162. 

At a later meeting the reports of these committees should 
be heard, if necessary amended by vote and approved, to 
take effect at the organization of the church. 

From this point these members can either proceed to 
complete their own organization, electing officers and 
publicly entering into covenant with each other, and later 
calling a council to review the proceedings, recognize the 
church thus organized, and receive it into the fellowship 
of the Congregational churches; or a committee may be 
authorized to call a council " to consider the expediency 
of the proposed step, review the preliminary proceedings, 
with authority, if it seem best, to complete the organiza- 
tion." The order suggested below is especially adapted 

167 



168 The Pastor's Manual 



to this latter case; the modifications necessary to a coun- 
cil of recognition are easily made. 

1. The Council is called to order by one of the older 
members, who reads the letter-missive, and calls for the 
nomination of a moderator, who is then elected either by 
acclamation or by ballot. 

2. A scribe is elected, after which prayer is offered by 
the moderator. 

3. The scribe gathers the names of pastors and dele- 
gates, and prepares the record of the Council. 

4. If a quorum of the churches invited are found to be 
present, the Council reviews the proceedings of those pro- 
posing to unite in the new organization. Statements are 
made in regard to the need of the new church and the 
prospect of sustaining it in the locality. The list of mem- 
bers, the statement of doctrine, covenant, form for the 
reception of members, and by-laws, and the votes ex- 
pressing the agreement to adopt them are examined by 
the Council as a whole or by a committee. 

'5. If these proceedings, statements, and documents are 
satisfactory, upon a motion made it is so voted ; also that 
the Council proceed to complete the organization 

6. At this point the records may be read and approved 
so far as written, and the scribe and moderator directed to 
sign the completed records. 

[if the public services of organization (or recognition) 
are to be held at a special hour and separate service, a 
recess is now taken until the time appointed.] 

7. The public services should properly be opened by the 
reading by the scribe of the records of the proceedings of 
the Council thus far. 



Order of Procedure 169 

8. Public confession of faith in Christ (with baptism 
where necessary) will first be made by those not hereto- 
fore church members. (See page 23.) 

9. The covenant is read and assented to by all those 
approved for membership in the new church. (See page 23.) 

10. Prayer. 

11. The moderator should formally declare the church 
to be duly constituted, 

12. A brief address with the right hand of fellowship 
may be given here if desired. 

13. Hymn. 

14. Sermon or addresses. 

15. Communion. 

16. Hymn. 

17. Benediction. 

18. Dissolution of the Council. 

Note. — A full copy of the records signed by the mod- 
erator and scribe should be placed in the hands of the 
Clerk of the church, to be filed by him and a copy spread 
upon the records of the church. 

ADMISSION TO DISTRICT ASSOCIATION 

Whether the church be organized with or without 
aid of a Council it should by formal vote ask for ad- 
mission to the Association of Congregational Churches 
within whose bounds it is located. Or it may at pre- 
liminary meeting above described instruct its Committee 
to ask the Association to form the organization and place 
its name upon the roll. 1 

^rom "Forms for Congregational Churches," by Rev. H. C. Her- 
ring, D.D 



170 The Pastor s Manual 



INCORPORATION OF A CHURCH 

Legal advice should be secured. All states have special 
statutes covering such matters. The custom of forming 
a separate parish organization is now seldom followed. 1 

PRELIMINARY STEPS 

A church meeting should be called in the usual way to 
consider the desirability of becoming incorporated. If 
the decision is favorable a committee should be appointed 
to consider carefully the law and the necessary legal steps; 
to obtain the blanks from the Commissioner of Corpora- 
tions at the State House, if in Massachusetts, or from the 
Secretary of State in other States; to see that the meeting 
is properly called and to prepare for presentation and 
consideration a series of Ry-Laws. 

The notice of the meeting at which application for in- 
corporation is to be made (a blank form for which the 
Commissioner of Corporations, or Secretary of State, will 
send on application) should be posted in a conspicuous 
place near one of the principal entrances of the usual place 
of meeting of the church, at least 15 days previous to 
the time of the meeting. The call should be signed by one 
of the resident members of the church, of twenty-one 
years of age or upward. 

PROCEDURE AT THE MEETING 

On assembling, the church should elect by ballot a 
temporary clerk, who should be sworn at once by a justice 
of the peace or a notary public. 

All resident members of the church, without distinction 
of sex, of twenty-one years of age and upward, but no 
other persons may vote at this and subsequent meetings, 

1 From " Forms for Congregational Churches " by Rev. H. C. Her- 
ring, D.D. 



Order of Procedure 171 



and may hold office. After the election of a Chairman by 
ballot, a motion to apply for incorporation is in order and 
requires only a majority vote. The motion might be put 
in this form: " Resolved, That we apply for the incorpo- 
ration of this church under the Statute of the State govern- 
ing church incorporation, and proceed to take the necessary 
steps thereto." 

The By-Laws previously prepared should be presented 
for consideration and adoption. These Bv-Ijiivs must in- 
clude the officers mentioned in the statute. 

After this should come the election of the officers re- 
quired by the statute — a moderator, clerk, treasurer, and 
a standing committee, and also such other officers as the 
By-Laws adopted by the church may require. 

The clerk must be sworn before he can commence his 
duties. 

Not only should every officer required by this statute 
be elected by ballot, but that fact should be stated clearly in 
the records; otherwise the entire proceedings will be 
nullified. A vote that one person cast the ballot of the whole 
is illegal. 

An application for incorporation (for which blank forms 
will be sent by the Commissioner of Corporations or Secre- 
tary of the State with the legal fee for incorporation) should 
be filled out and signed by a majority of the standing 
committee, and sent to the Commissioner of Corporations. 
The record book itself must be sent (a certified copy of the 
records will not suffice) and must contain the call for the 
meeting with the annexed affidavit filled out, and the 
records of the meetings, including the By-Laws and list of 
officers elected. The records must be signed by the temporary 
clerk and clerk. 

Care should be taken to have the names of church and 
persons, dates and places written in full and accurately. 
Even slight rrors or omissions may necessitate going over 
it all from the beginning. 



172 The Pastors Manual 



The property of the corporation but not that of the 
members is liable for its financial obligations. 

A By-Law is desirable permitting the receiving and dis- 
missing of members and the appointment of delegates at 
the regular church gatherings for worship, but requiring 
suitable notice of the subjects to be considered, if other 
business is to be transacted. 

If there is a Parish or Society connected with the church 
which has hitherto conducted its business, a provision is 
made under the statute for a legal transfer of all property 
to the incorporated church. 

AN ORDINATION OR INSTALLATION 

1. The Council is organized as in the preceding case 
(1, 2, 3). 

2. If the moderator announces a quorum of the 
churches present by pastors or delegates, the documents 
in the case are presented; namely, the records of the 
church and of the society (if there be one) in relation to 
the matter; the call extended to the pastor-elect and his 
letter or letters of acceptance; also his certificate of 
church membership; his letter of approbation to preach, 
if a licentiate; or, if previously an installed pastor, the 
' ' result " of the Council, otherwise, the action of the 
church at his dismission. 

3. If the Council declares by vote that these documents 
and statements are satisfactory, they listen to statements 
by the candidate (either written or oral as he may prefer) 
as to his religious experience, his call to the ministry and 
his motives in it; his knowledge and views of the doc- 
trines and institutions of the gospel, and of church polity 
and discipline. In case of a layman applying for ordina- 
tion his attainments in knowledge of the Scriptures, both 
in the English Version and in the original languages, his 
skill in exegesis, and his ability to preach are also inquired 



Order of Procedure 173 

into. After the statements which the candidate may 
choose to present have been heard, such further questions 
as may be desired are asked by the moderator and b> 
other members of the Council. 

4. The Council votes to be " by itself." The spectators 
and candidate withdraw, or the Council removes to a 
separate room for a private session. 

3. If deemed necessary, the opinion of each pastor and 
delegate is asked in turn. If the majority is satisfied with 
the completeness of the papers and with the examination, 
the Council by vote decides to proceed to the ordination or 
installation. 

6. The parts to be taken in the public service are 
assigned upon the report of a committee. If the church 
or pastor-elect has already arranged these in part or in 
whole, the Committee reports its concurrence in this 
arrangement, or suggests any changes which may seem to 
it important. 

7. The minutes are read by the scribe, corrected if need 
be, adopted as far as written, and the scribe and moder- 
ator are directed to sign the completed records. 

8. The doors being opened to the public the moderator 
reports the result of the Council, which then takes recess 
until the hour appointed for the public services. 

ORDER OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE. 

1. The scribe reads the minutes. 

2. [Singing.] 

3. Introductory prayer. 

1. Reading the Scriptures. 

5. Hymn. 



174 The Pastor s Manual 

6. [Sermon.] 

7. Ordaining prayer and laying on of hands, or install- 
ing prayer. 

8. Right hand of fellowship. 

9. Charge to the pastor. 

10. Address to the people. 

11. Hymn, or anthem. 

12. Prayer. 

13. Benediction by the pastor. 

14. The minutes being completed, and signed by the 
moderator and scribe, the Council adjourns sine die. 

Note. — The scribe should give a copy of the minutes 
attested by the moderator and himself to the church, to 
be entered on the records of the same, and also to the 
minister thus ordained or installed. In case of an ordina- 
tion, a Certificate of Ordination l should be given to the 
person entitled to it. (See page 181.) 

A COUNCIL TO DISMISS A PASTOR 

The general proceedings of organization, etc., are the 
same as in preceding cases. The resignation of the pastor 
and the action of the church in response to it are read 
from the church records. Any further information may be 
asked from the pastor or the Committee appointed to call 
the Council, but only in the presence of both. 

When the Council is "by itself " a vote is taken, and if 
they unite in reaching their decision, a committee is ap- 
pointed to draw up the " result." This is intended to 
express the judgment of the Council in the matter and to 
contain any expression of approval or disapproval of the 

1 Certificates of Ordination in printed form may be procured from the 
Congregational Sunday-School and Publishing Society at five cents 
each. 



Order of Procedure 175 



course of either the church or pastor which is deemed 
just and fraternal. 

When the public is admitted the moderator states the 
nature of the action, the scribe reads the result, and after 
prayer the Council is dissolved. 

Note. — A copy of the proceedings duly attested by the 
moderator and scribe should be given to the minister and 
also to the church. 

DISBANDING A CHURCH 1 

If it should finally appear that a church is no longer 
needed the following steps may be taken: First, it may be 
voted that the church proceed to take the necessary steps 
to dispose of its property and to disband. Secondly, the 
trustees should be directed to dispose of the property 
either by deed to the Conference, or Church Building 
Society, or in such other way as to provide for the proper 
securing of the interests of the denomination. A bill of 
sale of the personal property should also be authorized. 
In most states the Conference is incorporated and prepared 
to accept properties placed in its keeping by the local 
church. Thirdly, it should be voted that the clerk have 
authority to grant letters to all members now on the rolls 
of the church to any church with which Congregational 
churches are in fellowship. Fourthly, it should be voted 
that the records, when completed, be deposited with the 
registrar of the Association. Finally all necessary busi- 
ness being completed, it should be voted that the church 
do now disband. 

1 From "Forms arranged for the use of Congregational Churches," 
by Rev. H. C. Herring, D.D. 



XII 

FORMS FOR LETTERS, 
MISSIVES, ETC. 



FOR A COUNCIL 
TO ORGANIZE A CHURCH 
TO ORDAIN OR INSTALL A PASTOR 
A CERTIFICATE OF ORDINATION 
TO DISMISS A PASTOR 

FOR A MINISTER OR LICENTIATE 
APPROBATION TO PREACH 
GENERAL COMMENDATION 
DISMISSAL FROM AN ASSOCIATION 

FOR A CHURCH MEMBER 
GENERAL COMMENDATION 
DISMISSAL AND COMMENDATION 
RECEPTION 



FORMS FOR LETTERS 



[A few forms are here given, such as are most frequently 
needed for use by churches. As these must often be 
drawn up by the Minister, it may be an aid to some to 
have a model at hand, though it will be a great advantage 
to use the printed forms as indicated in the footnotes on 
the following pages. The substance is the most important 
thing, and the expression may be varied, within the limits 
of a simple dignity and propriety. In this edition forms 
A, B, and D have been made to conform to " The Council 
Manual."] 



1. FORMS RELATING TO THE CHURCH. 

Form A. 

From individuals desiring help in Organizing a Church. 

To the Congregational Church, in , Greet- 
ing. 
Dear Brethren: 

After careful deliberation, and after seeking the guid- 
ance of the Holy Spirit, we have come to regard it as our 
duty and privilege to associate ogether as a church of the 
Lord Jesus Christ in this place, and have taken the steps 
preparatory thereto. We therefore affectionately request 
you to be present by Pastor and delegate in an Ecclesias- 
tical Council, to be constituted as stated below, hereby 

called to meet in our place of worship on , the 

day of ,19 — , at o'clock — M., which 

shall review our proceedings, and consider the need and 
opportunity for the proposed church; and if the result of 
such examination be favorable, assist in completing the 
organization, and extend to it the fellowship of the Con- 
gregational churches. 

179 



180 The Pastor's Manual 



Wishing you grace, mercy, and peace, 



) * Committee 
for the 



\ 



Brethren. 



[Place and Date.] 

The following named Churches (and persons) are 
invited: — 

[Names.] 
By vote of the associated brethren. 

9 Clerk, pro tern. 



FormB. 

For the Ordination and Installation of a Pastor. 

The Congregational Church in , to the 

Congregational Church in , Greeting. 



This Church, having devoutly sought the promised 
guidance of the Holy Spirit, has united in the choice of 
Rev. [Mr.] A. B. for its pastor and teacher, and he has 
responded favorably to its call. We therefore affection- 
ately request you to be present by Pastor and delegate, in 
an Ecclesiastical Council to be constituted as stated below, 

hereby called to meet in our place of worship on , 

the day of 19—, at o'clock — M., 

which shall review our proceedings and make the neces- 
sary examinations, and if the result be favorable, proceed 
with us to [his ordination as a minister of the Word, and] 
his installation as Pastor of this Church and extend to 
him the fellowship of the ministers and churches. 

1 When the names of the members of a committee are not in their 
own handwriting, all copies of the letters-missive should be authenti- 
cated by the actual signature of the clerk . 



Forms for Letters 181 

\V ishing you grace, mercy, and peace, 

1 Committee 
of the 
Church. 

[Place and Date.] 
The Churches and persons invited are as follows : — 

[Names.] 
In accordance with the vote of the Church. 

, Church Clerk. 



Form C. 

Certificate of Ordination. 

This certifies that by an Ecclesiastical Council of Con- 
gregational churches, convened for that purpose at , 

at the invitation of the church of , 



was duly ordained to the ministry of the gospel, 

and is hereby commended to the fellowship and confidence 
of the churches of our order, and to all who love our lx>rd 
Jesus Christ. 

Given at , this day of , A.D. . 

Signed: , 



Moderator of Council. 



Scribe of Council. 



Form D. 

For the Dismissal of a Pastor. 

The Congregational Church in to the 

Congregational Church in , Greeting. 

The Rev. A. B., Pastor of this Church, having tendered 
his resignation of the pastoral office, and the Church, after 

J If a church is in connection with an incorporated parish or society, 
a committee of the parish should also sign the letter. 



182 The Pastor's Manual 

prayerful deliberation, having voted to accept this resigna- 
tion subject to the advice of an Ecclesiastical Council, we 
therefore affectionately request you to be present by Pastor 
and delegate in an Ecclesiastical Council, to be consti- 
tuted as stated below, hereby called to meet in our place 

of worship on , the day of , 19 — , 

at o'clock — M., which shall review the action thus 

far taken, and in view of existing conditions, give such 
advice as it shall deem wise. 

Wishing you grace, mercy, and peace, 

1 Committee 
of the 
Church. 

[Place and Date.] 

The Churches and persons invited are as follows: — 

[Names.] 
In accordance with the vote of the Church. 

, Church Clerk. 



Form E. 2 



Letter announcing appointment as a Delegate, to be used as a 

Credential. 

[To be handed in to the Scribe of the Council.] 

The Congregational Church in to 



This certifies that at a meeting of this Church, held 

on the day of , A.D. , you were 

elected Delegate, with the Pastor, to represent this 

Church in an Ecclesiastical Council, called by the 

Congregational Church in , to be held in their 

1 See note to form B. 

2 This form of credential is for sale by the Congregational Sunday- 
School and Publishing Society, in books with stubs, at $1.00 per book 
of fifty. 



Forms for Letters 183 



house of worship, on Street, , on the 



day of next, at o'clock — M ., for the pur- 
pose of — 

Attest: — , Clerk. 

2. FORMS RELATING TO MINISTERS AND 
LICENTIATES. 

FormF. 1 

A Certificate of Approved and Commendation of a Candidate 

for the Pastorate to the Churches, by an Association 

or Conference, 

This may certify that Mr. , having pre- 
sented himself to the 2 Congregational for 

inquiry as to his qualifications for the Gospel Ministry; 
and having been this day carefully examined by us with 
regard to the same; and having satisfied us of his good 
and regular standing in the Christian Church, of his 
reputable and faithful personal character, his sufficient 
literary and theological attainments, the purity of his 
motives in entering the ministry, and the reasonable prob- 
ability, with God's blessing, of his success therein; is 
hereby approved by us, and commended to the Congrega- 
tional Churches, as a candidate for the sacred office. 

In testimony whereof we have directed this certificate of 
approbation to be signed by our Moderator and Scribe; 
with the understanding that, unless revoked for cause, it 
will be valid for one year from the date thereof. 

: ^ Moderator. 

, Scribe. 

[Place and Date.] 

iThis certificate, neatly printed, is issued by the Congregational 
Sunday-School and Publishing Society at five cents per copy, twelve 
copies fifty cents. 

2 Insert Association of . . . Ministers, or Conference of . . . Churches, 
as may meet the case. 



184 The Pastors Manual 

Form G. 
A General Letter of Commendation. 
To whom it may concern: 

The bearer, the Rev. , a member of the 

Congregational , x who contemplates remov- 
ing from this community to other parts, is hereby cor- 
dially commended to the confidence of the churches as 
a minister of Christ in good standing. 

By vote of the ,* 

Scribe. 

[Place and Date.] 



Form H. 
A Letter of Dismission. 

Rev. , having requested to be dismissed 

from Congregational , x and recommended 

to the Congregational , x it was voted to 

grant his request. He is therefore dismissed, and cordially 
recommended as a brother faithful and beloved. 
In behalf of the * 



-, Scribe. 



[Place and Date.] 



3. FORMS RELATING TO MEMBERS OF THE 
CHURCH. 

Form I. 

A Letter which may be given by the Pastor or Clerk, without 

special vote of the Church, to a member expecting to 

be absent for a considerable period. 

To ail who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. 
Dear Brethren: 

Let this certify that the bearer, , is a 

member, in good and regular standing, of the 

1 Supply name of the Association or Conference, as the case may W. 



Forms for Letters 185 

Congregational Church in ; and, as such, is affec- 
tionately commended to the Christian fellowship of any 
Church of Christ with which he may desire to commune, 
and to the confidence and kind offices of all the people of 
Cod. 

Witness my hand, 



Pastor [or Clerk] of the 

Congregational Church in 



[Place and Date. 



Form K. 1 

A Letter of Dismission and Commendation of a Member 
to another Church. 

The Congregational Church of to the 

Church of , greeting: 

This certifies that is a member in good 

and regular standing of the Congregational Church 

of . As such, he (she) is, at his (her) own request, 

hereby dismissed, and affectionately recommended to the 

fellowship and care of the Church of and, 

when received by it, his (her) membership with this Church 
will cease. 

By vote of the Church, 

, Clerk, 

[Place and Date.] 

Note. — Please fill out the accompanying notice of 
reception to your membership promptly, and return by 
mail to the Church Clerk. 

It is expected that this certificate will be presented to 
the Church to which it is addressed within one year from 
date. 



186 The Pastor s Manual 



Form L. 1 

A Notice of Reception, to be Returned to the Church granting 
a Letter of Dismission. 

To the Congregational Church of . 



This certifies that , recommended to 

our Christian fellowship by you, was, on the day of 

A.D. , received into the membership of the 

Church of — . 

Attest: , Clerk. 

[Place and Date.] 

ABSENT MEMBERS 

A Suggestion for a By-Law 

If any member of the church during a continuous period 
of (two) years, having removed his residence from this 
vicinity, shall not communicate with the church, or re- 
spond to communications which may be sent to him, and 
shall not apply for and receive a letter of dismission and 
recommendation to some other church; and if, further, 
when asked to notify the church if he desires to maintain 
his connection with it he shall fail to make answer, he may, 
by vote of the standing committee, be placed on our list of 
inactive members. Provided, that if subsequently his 
absence or silence be satisfactorily explained, he may by 
vote of the standing committee be restored to the list of 
active members. 

A Suggestion for a Letter 

My dear : Mr. and Mrs. , members of our 

church, have just removed to your town. Their address 

1 This Letter of Dismission and the Notice of Reception, l>ounti in 
books of fifty and one hundred, with stubs and perforations for detach- 
ment, is issued by the Congregational Sunday-School and Publishing 
Society. Price per book of fifty, $1.00. 



Forms for Letters 187 



is — . Will you not see them and welcome 

them to your fellowship? We shall be happy to have them 
transfer their membership to your church whenever it is 
mutually agreeable. 



XIII 

RULES OF ORDER FOR ECCLESI- 
ASTICAL MEETINGS 



THE ORGANIZATION 

THE MODERATOR 

THE SCRIBE OR CLERK 

DISCUSSION 

MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS 

MOTIONS CLASSIFIED BY THEIR OBJECT 

COMMITTEES 

THE VOTE 

A TABULATED STATEMENT 



RULES OF ORDER FOR ECCLESI 
ASTICAL MEETINGS 



All matters relating to the affairs of any Christian 
Church, or of the churches assembled together, should be 
discussed and decided in the simplest and most fraternal 
way. And yet, in order that progress may be made, and 
that all may be content with the results, it is necessary 
that the common rules for conducting business should be 
observed by all and enforced by the presiding officer. 

It ought to be remembered that rules and methods 
adopted by particular State legislatures, or by Congress, 
are often variations from and additions to common parlia- 
mentary practice, and that such variations should not be 
regarded in ecclesiastical affairs. 

The following rules are taken from the ordinary practice 
of deliberative bodies in the United States of America. 

I. ORGANIZATION, ETC. 

All meetings should be opened with prayer. 

In permanent bodies whose officers hold over, the Mod- 
erator last elected, if present, should call the meeting to 
order. In his absence this should be done by the clerk 
or scribe. In councils the senior pastor present may 
serve this purpose and call for the election of a moder- 
ator. In ordinary gatherings the Chairman of the Com- 
mittee which has issued the call for the meeting may call 
to order. 

The organization is completed by the election of a 
secretary, clerk, or scribe, except in bodies having a per- 
manent scribe. 

191 



192 The Pastor's Manual 



In meetings which are especially important or formal, a 
temporary moderator and scribe may be elected by viva 
voce vote, and permanent officers afterwards elected by 
ballot either with or without nomination by any member 
or by a committee appointed for that purpose. 

If the meeting is called to consider special business, the 
call should be read by the scribe or stated by the Moder- 
ator or at his invitation by the Chairman of the Committee 
which has issued the call. 

In some conferences the custom has arisen of stating in 
the letter-missive that " It is understood that the churches 
represented at this Council shall constitute a quorum." 

A QUORUM. 

In a council representing churches, a majority of the 
churches invited usually constitutes the quorum. In 
some conferences the custom has arisen of stating in the 
letter-missive that " It is understood that the churches 
represented at this Council shall constitute a quorum." 
If the number necessary for the transaction of business is 
not fixed in By-laws, any number present at a properly 
called meeting are competent to transact business, though 
often it may be unwise to proceed with a small number. 

If a quorum has been present at a meeting, it is pre- 
sumed to be still present, unless the question is raised by 
the Chair or any member. If the quorum is not found 
to be present, the proceedings must be stayed until a 
quorum is secured; otherwise the body must adjourn, but 
it may fix the time and place to which it adjourns. 

THE ROLL. 

In local councils the pastors and such delegates present 
as may be reported are enrolled. 

Where written credentials are required, the scribe, or a 
Committee of Credentials, if appointed, forms the roll of 



Rules of Order 193 



those alone who furnish such evidence of their appoint- 
ment as delegates. 1 

A council cannot add to the delegates appointed by a 
church, nor can a church send delegates other than as 
invited by the letter-missive. 

ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

The natural order, in the absence of any special rule, 
after the meeting is opened is (1) to read, correct, and 
approve the records of the last meeting, if any; (2) to 
take up unfinished business, reports of committees, etc.; 
(3) to receive and act upon propositions for new business. 

II. THE MODERATOR. 

This is the customary title for the presiding officer in 
ecclesiastical bodies. 

He should state all motions made, secure order in the 
discussion of them, put them to vote, and announce the 
results. He is to decide points of order, subject always 
to vote of the members when an appeal is made. 

If two or more persons claim the floor at the same time, 
he must impartially decide as to who is entitled to it. If 
in doubt, he may properly give the preference to the one 
who has not already spoken, or to the one farthest from 
him. 

He cannot speak on the merits of a question without 
leaving the chair, and calling some other member to pre- 
side while he is speaking. 

He may vote in all cases where the vote is by ballot, 
or by yeas and nays, and at other times when his vote 
would change the result. 

If there is no other rule in the By-laws of a church, the 
pastor acts as Moderator at its meetings, except when 

1 For form of Credential see page 182. 



194 The Pastor's Manual 



matters affecting himself are under consideration, or unless 
the church appoints some other person to preside. He 
has no official position in the meetings of the Society. 

III. THE SECRETARY, SCRIBE, OR CLERK. 

At State Associations or Conferences the recording 
officer is usually called the Secretary, in Councils the 
Scribe, and in the local church the Clerk. 

His duties are to form the roll if required, to make and 
keep a record of the business transacted at the meetings, 
and usually to take charge of all documents belonging to 
it; also to read whatever may be called for with the sanc- 
tion of the Moderator. 

All motions or resolutions upon which a vote has been 
taken, and such only, should be recorded. Records 
should be approved by vote of the body whose proceed- 
ings they report, and thus declared to be accurate. 

If the permanent clerk or scribe is not present, a mem- 
ber should be appointed to fill that office temporarily. 

Associations which meet annually and Councils which 
are dissolved should correct and approve their records 
before adjournment, and the records should be signed by 
the Moderator and Clerk. 

IV. DISCUSSION. 

A member desiring to offer a motion or speak to one 
should rise and address the Moderator, wait for recogni- 
tion (the announcement of his name), speak to a question, 
and resume his seat as soon as he has finished. 

No discussion is in order unless it be (1) upon a motion 
already made; (2) to raise a point of order; or (3) by 
unanimous consent. 

All personalities or discourtesies of speech or manner 
between members should be carefully avoided and respect 



Rules of Order 195 



should be shown for the suggestions and decisions of the 
Moderator. Strict attention should be given to those 
addressing the meeting and private conversation should 
be abstained from. A speaker or member neglecting 
these proprieties may be called to order by the Moderator, 
or by any member, and he must conform to them. 

A speaker may yield the floor for a question or an 
explanation by another, but not for continued remarks. 
In this case he forfeits his claim to it. 

Discussion cannot be stopped by calls of " Question! 
question!" The proper methods are stated elsewhere. 

V. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS. 

A motion is a proposal looking to some simple and 
immediate business; a resolution is a more formal expres- 
sion of the opinion or will of an official or public body 
adopted by vote. A motion, if simple and brief, may be 
stated verbally, but must be written if it be requested by 
the Moderator. A resolution should be reduced to writing 
and read by the clerk before it is discussed or a vote 
taken. 

A motion or resolution should be proposed by one 
member and seconded by another, so that at least two 
shall agree in presenting it for discussion or adoption. It 
should then be clearly stated by the Moderator as made 
and seconded, and opportunity given for its discussion. 
It cannot then be withdrawn except by unanimous con- 
sent, but must take its regular course. 

When a question is under debate, the Moderator shall 
receive motions only to adjourn, 

To lay on the table, 

The previous question, 

To postpone to a time certain, 

To commit, 

To amend, 



196 The Pastor's Manual 

Or to postpone indefinitely, which several motions shall 
have precedence in the foregoing order. 

VI. MOTIONS CLASSIFIED BY THEIR OBJECTS. 1 

1. TO SECURE AN EXPRESSION OF OPINION 
OR ACTION ON ANY SUBJECT. This is called a main 
or principal question, and may be introduced when no 
other question is immediately before the body. 

2. TO MODIFY OR IMPROVE THE MAIN PROP- 
OSITION, (a) To amend. This may be done either 

(1) by striking out certain words; or 

(2) by adding certain words; or 

(3) by striking out and adding words; or 

(4) by substituting a different proposition on the same 

subject; or 

(5) by dividing the question so as to get a separate vote 

on its parts. 

Words inserted by the adoption of an amendment can- 
not be removed nor those stricken out inserted again ex- 
cept, in either case, in connection with additional words. 

An amendment may conflict with the spirit of the 
original motion if only it is on the same general subject; 
that is, it must be germane or relevant. It is not con- 
sidered proper to amend by inserting the word " not," 
because a direct vote for or against is more simple. 

A motion may be entertained to amend an amendment, 
but not to amend an amendment of an amendment. 

Motions which cannot be debated cannot be amended. 

The mover and seconder of the principal motion may 
accept an amendment if no objection is made, but not 
otherwise. The amendment thus becomes part of the 
original motion. 

1 This classification with some modifications generally follows 
" Roterts' Rules of Order." 



Rules of Order 197 



When an amendment is under consideration, discussion 
should be confined to the amendment only. 

A motion is sometimes passed which leaves blanks to 
be filled with numbers, names or dates. If several num- 
bers are suggested, the vote is taken on the largest num- 
ber or amount first, and so on to the smallest: if dates, 
that most remote; if names that first mentioned is voted 
on first. This being really an amendment, when the 
blank is filled, a vote should be taken on the motion thus 
amended. 

(6) To refer to a committee. This is either that the 
form of the proposition may be improved, or that the sub- 
ject may be discussed in committee and definite action 
recommended. 

This motion can be made while an amendment is pend- 
ing, and it is debatable. It can be amended by defining 
the number of the committee, determining how it shall be 
appointed and where it shall report, or by other instruc- 
tions. (See Committees.) 

3. TO DEFER ACTION. 

(a) By postponing to a definite time. 

(b) By laying on the table. This isd one that some more 
pressing matter may be first considered. This motion 
cannot be debated or amended. The question is by it 
laid aside until by vote it is taken from the table for dis- 
cussion and action, and cannot be taken from the table 
until some other business has intervened. This motion 
may be made at any time with an immediate vote. 

4. TO SUPPRESS THE QUESTION. 

(a) By postponing indefinitely. This motion cannot be 
debated or amended. 

(6) By laying on the table with the expectation that it 
will not be taken up again. This is an easier way of 



198 The . Pastor's Manual 



effecting the same result if there is a majority who de- 
sire it. 

5. TO SUPPRESS DISCUSSION. 

(a) By moving that the previous question be now taken. 
This is done to prevent a minority from protracting dis- 
cussion needlessly or obstructively. A member may 
" call for the previous question " ; this being seconded, 
the Moderator says: f* Shall the main question now be 
put?" This motion is open to discussion. By an affirm- 
ative vote discussion ceases and the question is at once 
put to vote, beginning with any pending amendments. 

As this is a technical phrase and often not understood, 
it would be better not to introduce it into ecclesiastical 
gatherings, but rather to accomplish the same end. 

(b) By moving to close the discussion, which is exactly 
equivalent, or to 

(c) Limit the discussion, by fixing the time to be allowed 
to each speaker, or the time at which the vote shall be 
taken, which ought not to be immediate. 

6. TO REVISE ACTION ALREADY TAKEN. The 

motion to reconsider. This is the remedy for hasty or 
uninformed action, or is sometimes used to fix beyond 
repeal, by its own defeat, action already taken. It can only 
be moved by one who has voted with the majority. The 
first motion is to reconsider; this, if carried, brings up 
the main question as though it had not been voted on 
at all. It should be made at the same meeting at which 
the vote to which it refers was passed, and, in fairness, 
when there are as many members present as voted at that 
time. The body retains its right to rescind its action at a 
subsequent meeting, provided due notice is given of the 
proposal, and unless prohibited by standing rules. 

7. TO FACILITATE OR HASTEN BUSINESS. 
(a) By suspension of the rules. This should be done 



Rules of Order 199 



only where speed is essential and the action unanimous, 
and only where the standing rules give authority therefor. 

(b) By " the order of the day." Where it has been 
decided that certain questions should come up at a definite 
time, the order of the day must be announced by the 
Moderator; or, in case he neglect to do so, it may be called 
for by a member and must be taken up. The business 
thus in order may, of course, be laid on the table or further 
postponed by vote. 

8. TO SECURE ORDER. 

(a) Point of order. If the Moderator fails to enforce the 
rules and preserve order, a member can " rise to a point of 
order," state the matter of which he complains without dis- 
cussion, and ask for a decision of the Chair. 

If a proposition is introduced which a member believes 
to be outside the proper objects of the meeting, he may 
object to its consideration as out of order. This must 
be done on its first introduction, and is decided by the 
Moderator. 

(b) Appeal. Any member may appeal from a decision 
of the Moderator. The appeal must be seconded, when, 
the decision having been again stated with the reasons 
for it, the appeal may be discussed, the members speaking 
first and the Moderator closing, not, however, leaving 
the chair therefor. The question is then put: " Shall 
the decision of the Chair be sustained?" In regard to 
indecorum the appeal is undebatable. 

(c) Question of privilege. This is a question affecting 
the rights of the meeting, or of any member, who may 
state the " question of privilege," and the Moderator de- 
cides whether it is such a question or not. This must be 
disposed of by immediate consideration, postponement, or 
reference to a committee before the discussion which was 
interrupted can be resumed. 



200 The Pastors Manual 



9. TO CLOSE THE MEETING. 

(a) By fixing in advance the time at which to adjourn. 

(b) By adjourning to a certain time or " sine die." This 
motion cannot be amended or discussed, unless the motion 
itself contains a specification of date or place, or unless an 
adjournment would dissolve the body. 

VII. COMMITTEES. 

Committees are appointed as the meeting may direct, 
or under standing rules. They may be nominated by the 
Moderator or by a nominating committee, in either case 
to be confirmed by vote; or the Moderator may be author- 
ized to appoint. An odd number of members is usually 
appointed to avoid a tie vote in committee. 

A committee appointed to carry out instructions should 
be small, and so composed that a majority shall be favor- 
able to the proposed action. A committee for investiga- 
tion or deliberation should be large enough to represent 
those of various opinions, so as to secure ample discus- 
sion in the committee. 

The first-named person on a committee should call it 
together, and act as chairman until another chairman is 
appointed. Usually the body intends that the first-named 
person on the committee shall be its chairman. If he 
fails to summon the committee, the second person named 
may call it together. 

If all do not agree, the majority should report in the 
name of the committee. A minority report may be 
made and can be by vote of the body substituted for the 
committee's report. 

When a committee to whom any matter may have been 
referred shall recommend any specific action to the body, 
or shall desire the body to approve or adopt the senti- 
ments or statements of a report, such proposed action 
shall always be embodied in resolutions. While many 



Rules of Order 201 



bodies use the term " accept " as equivalent to " adopt," 
it is much clearer to distinguish between the two. The 
question should therefore be: Shall the report of your 
committee be accepted? This, if carried, receives the 
report from the committee. The question should then 
be, Shall the resolutions recommended by the committee 
be adopted? If no resolutions are appended, the report, 
after acceptance, should be placed on file. 1 

A committee is discharged when its report is received. 
A committee may, however, merely report progress and 
be continued until its final report is made. 

When business is referred to a committee with power, 
it may take final action on the matter referred to it at its 
discretion. 

A meeting sometimes resolves itself into a committee 
of the whole, in order to discuss freely and ascertain the 
sentiment of the majority. A committee of the whole is 
governed by the same rules as any other committee. In 
this case the Moderator does not preside, but calls some 
other person to the chair. The same end may sometimes 
be accomplished by agreeing to take an informal vote, be- 
fore taking formal and final action. 

A standing committee is one appointed under general 
rules to act during a given time on all business relating 
to the department with which it is intrusted, either to 
make recommendations to the body which has appointed 
it or to take final action, according to the terms of its 
appointment. 

VIII. THE VOTE. 

For the duty of the Moderator and his right see the 
section on that officer. 

No question is properly put to vote except by taking 
the votes both for and against. 

iThe National Council of Congregational Churches in the United 
States, many of our State Associations, and the American Boardof 
Commissioners for Foreign Missions explicitly observe this distinction 
between " accept " and " adopt " in their rules. 



202 The Pastor's Manual 



In ecclesiastical meetings the vote is usually taken by 
raising the hand. If the vote is close, so that the Moder- 
ator cannot easily decide, the hands may be counted. If 
the decision is doubted, the vote may be repeated or taken 
by standing, and tellers may be appointed to make the 
count. 

In elections required to be by ballot, every member 
must have the opportunity to deposit his own ballot and 
to vote for whom he will. Instructions given by a vote of 
the meeting to one person to cast a ballot for all, deprives 
the members of their rights and makes the election one 
by acclamation, and violates the rule. A motion to that 
effect is therefore out of order. Members are not obliged 
to vote, but all must have the opportunity to deposit a 
written or printed ballot. 

In elections by ballot tellers are appointed to distribute, 
collect and count the ballots. They report to the Moder- 
ator, or at his request to the meeting. In announcing the 
result there should be stated the whole number of votes 
cast, the number necessary to a choice, and at least the 
number cast for the successful candidate, and for all other 
candidates, if called for. The Moderator must announce 
the names of the persons elected. If there is no choice, 
the number cast for the various candidates is always 
reported. 

A majority vote is always decisive, and no greater pro- 
portion can ever be required, unless otherwise fixed by a 
standing rule. 

A majority vote is more than half of all the votes cast. 
A plurality is more than those cast for any one other 
candidate. 

IX. A TABULATED STATEMENT. 

MOTIONS WHICH CANNOT BE AMENDED. 

To adjourn — except to a specified time. 
To amend an amend ment. 



Rules of Order 203 



To lay on the table. 

To postpone indefinitely. 

The previous question. 

To suspend the rules. 

To take up a question out of its order. 

To take from the table. 

MOTIONS WHICH CANNOT BE DEBATED. 

To adjourn. 

To lay on the table. 

A question upon which the previous question has been 

ordered. 
To take up a question out of its order. 
To take from the table. 

VOTES WHICH CANNOT BE RECONSIDERED. 

To adjourn. 

To suspend the rules. 

An affirmative vote to take from the table. 

To reconsider a question. 



XIV 

A FEW SELECTED PRAYERS FROM 
THE PROTESTANT LITURGIES 



A FEW SELECTED PRAYERS FROM 
THE PROTESTANT LITURGIES 



The forms of prayer which follow are intended as a 
suggestion of important themes and of devout and fitting 
expression. A familiarity with such forms will enrich 
both the devotional thought and language of our min- 
isters. They have been sometimes regarded as belonging 
to one branch of the Christian Church, to which they 
have been largely abandoned by the other denominations. 
They are on the other hand the heritage of the holy 
Church universal. They come to us, some of them, from 
the ancient Church which preceded all the divisions of 
later times; more of them are of Calvinistic origin, coming 
in their present form through Pollanus and Lasco. Bucer, 
Cranmer, Luther, Melanchthon, Knox, and others of the 
period of the Reformation contributed to the enrichment of 
these liturgical forms; while the needs of our own land 
have called for and received appropriate additions. 

Such forms of prayer, harmful if the Lord's people are 
restricted to their use, may be most helpful to quicken 
devotion and to add dignity without detracting from the 
sincerity and freedom of public worship. 

THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy 
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, 
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And 
lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil: For 
thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for 
ever. Amen. 

207 



208 The Pastor s Manual 

A GENERAL CONFESSION. 
Almighty and most merciful Father; We have erred, 
and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have fol- 
lowed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. 
We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left 
undone those things which we ought to have done; And 
we have done those things which we ought not to have 
done; And there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, 
have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou 
those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore thou 
those who are penitent; According to thy promises de- 
clared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And 
grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; That we may 
hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the 
glory of thy holy Name. Amen. 

A GENERAL THANKSGIVING. 

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we, thine un- 
worthy servants, do give thee most humble and hearty 
thanks for all thy goodness and lovingkindness to us, and 
to all men. We bless thee for our creation, preservation, 
and all the blessings of this life; but above all, for thine 
inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our 
Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the 
hope of glory. And, we beseech thee, give us that due 
sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeign- 
edly thankful, and that we may show forth thy praise 
not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up our- 
selves to thy service and by walking before thee in holi- 
ness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all 
honour and glory, world without end. Amen. 

A GENERAL SUPPLICATION. 

O God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we 
humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; 



A Few Selected Prayers 209 



that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known 
unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More 
especially we pray for thy holy Church universal; that it 
may be so guided and governed by thy Good Spirit, that 
all who profess and call themselves Christians may be 
led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of 
spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. 
Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those 
who are any ways afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body, 
or estate; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve 
them, according to their several necessities; giving them 
patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of 
all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ's 
sake. Amen. 



AT THE CLOSE OF PRAYER. 

Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time 
with one accord to make our common supplications unto 
thee; and dost promise that when two or three are gath- 
ered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests; 
Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy ser- 
vants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in 
this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to 
come fife everlasting. Amen. 



FOR A BLESSING ON THE SCRIPTURES. 

Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to 
be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such 
wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest 
them, that by patience, and comfort of thy holy Word, 
we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of 
everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour 
Jesus Christ. Amen. 



210 The Pastor s Manual 



BEFORE THE SERMON. 

Cleanse the heart and the lips of thy servant, O 
Almighty God, as thou didst cleanse the lips of thy prophet 
with a burning coal from thine altar, and vouchsafe, by 
thy gracious Spirit, so to purify him, that he may worthily 
and faithfully proclaim thy Holy Gospel: through Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 

AFTER THE SERMON. 

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the words 
which we have heard this day with our outward ears, may, 
through thy grace, be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, 
that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to 
the honour and praise of thy Name; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 

FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

O God, Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful, visit, we 
pray thee, this congregation with thy love and favor; en- 
lighten their minds more and more with the light of the 
everlasting gospel; graft in their hearts a love of the 
truth; increase in them true religion; nourish them with 
all goodness; and of thy great mercy, keep them in the 
same, O blessed Spirit; whom with the Father and the 
Son together, we worship and glorify as one God, world 
without end. Amen. 

BEFORE THE COMMUNION. 

We do not presume to come to this thy table, O 
merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in 
thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so 
much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But 
thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have 
mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the 
flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, 



A Few Selected Prayers 211 



that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and 
our souls washed through his most precious blood, and 
that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen. 

AT THE COMMUNION. 
Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, according 
to the institution of thy dearly beloved Son our Saviour 
Jesus Christ, we, thy humble servants, do celebrate and 
make here before thy Divine Majesty, with these thy holy 
gifts, which we now offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son 
hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his 
blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrec- 
tion and glorious ascension; rendering unto thee most 
hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits procured unto 
us by the same. And we most humbly beseech thee, O 
merciful Father, to hear us; and, of thy almighty good- 
ness, vouchsafe to bless and sanctify, with thy Word, and 
Holy Spirit, these thy gifts and creatures of bread and 
wine; that we, receiving them according to thy Son our 
Saviour Jesus Christ's holy institution, in remembrance of 
his death and passion, may be partakers of his most 
blessed Body and Blood. And we earnestly desire thy 
fatherly goodness, mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of 
praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching thee 
to grant, that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus 
Christ, and through faith in his blood, we, and all thy 
whole Church, may obtain remission of our sins, and all 
other benefits of his passion. And here we offer and pre- 
sent unto thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, 
to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee: 
humbly beseeching thee, that we, and all others who shall 
be partakers of this Holy Communion, may worthily 
receive the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son 
Jesus Christ, be filled with thy grace and heavenly bene- 
diction, and made one body with him, that he may dwell 
in them, and they in him. And although we are unworthy 



212 The Pastor's Manual 



through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice; 
yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and 
service; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our 
offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom, and 
with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and 
glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. 
Amen. 

FOR CHRISTIAN MISSIONS. 

O Almighty God, whose dearly beloved Son, after his 
resurrection from the dead, did send his Apostles into all 
the world to preach the Gospel to every creature; Hear, 
we beseech thee, the devout prayers of thy people, and 
look down in thy compassion upon the multitudes that are 
as sheep having no shepherd, and upon the fields now 
white unto the harvest. Bless those thy servants who, after 
the example of thy first missionaries, have gone far hence 
to the Gentiles, and prosper thou their work of faith and 
labor of love; Send forth more laborers into thy harvest, 
to gather fruit unto life eternal; And grant us grace and 
power to be fellow-workers with them by prayers and 
offerings, that we may also rejoice with them in thy 
heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

FOR THE HEATHEN. 

O Almighty God, who hast given thine only-begotten 
Son a propitiation not for our sins only, but for the sins of 
the whole world, and hast promised to Him the heathen 
for an inheritance; Deliver the nations that know thee 
not, from the worship of idols, and gather them, by thy 
ministers, through the Gospel, into thy holy Church, to 
the glory of thy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

FOR PASTORS AND MINISTERS. 

Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh 
every good and perfect gift; Send down upon our Pastors, 



A Few Selected Prayers 213 

and other Ministers, and upon the Congregations com- 
mitted to their charge, the healthful Spirit of thy grace; 
and, that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the 
continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for 
the honour of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 

FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 

and all in Civil Authority. 

O Lord, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty 
Ruler of the universe, who dost from thy throne behold 
all the dwellers upon earth; Most heartily we beseech 
thee with thy favour to behold and bless thy servant 
The President of The United States, and all others 
in authority; and so replenish them with the grace 
of thy Holy Spirit, that they may always incline to thy 
will, and walk in thy way. Endue them plenteously with 
heavenly gifts; grant them in health and prosperity long 
to live; and finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy 
and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

FOR CONGRESS. 

To be used during their Session. 

Most gracious God, we humbly beseech thee, as for 
the people of these United States in general, so espe- 
cially for their Senate and Representatives in Congress 
assembled; That thou wouldest be pleased to direct and 
prosper all their consultations to the advancement of thy 
glory, the good of thy Church, the safety, honour, and 
welfare of thy people; that all things may be so ordered 
and settled by their endeavours, upon the best and surest 
foundations, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, 
religion and piety, may be established among us for all 
generations. These and all other necessaries, for them, 



214 The Pastors Manual 



for us, and thy whole Church, we humbly beg in the 
Name and Mediation of Jesus Christ, our most blessed 
Lord and Saviour. Amen. 

A MORNING PRAYER. 

Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and ever- 
lasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning 
of this day; Defend us in the same with thy mighty 
power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither 
run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings, 
being ordered by thy governance, may be righteous in 
thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

AN EVENING PRAYER. 
Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O heavenly 
Father, and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils 
and dangers, for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, 
Jesus Christ. Amen. 

FOR PEACE. 
God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, 
and all just works do proceed; give unto thy servants 
that peace, which the world cannot give; that our hearts 
may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by 
thee, we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, 
may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the 
merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 

FOR AID IN OUR IGNORANCE. 
Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, who 
knowest our necessities before we ask, and our ignorance 
in asking; We beseech thee to have compassion upon 
our infirmities; and those things, which for our un worthi- 
ness we dare not, and for our blindness we can not ask, 
vouchsafe to give us, for the worthiness of thy Son Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 



A Few Selected Prayers 215 

FOR GUIDANCE THROUGH TEMPORAL THINGS. 
O God, the protector of all that trust in thee, without 
whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy; Increase and 
multiply upon us thy mercy; that, thou being our ruler 
and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that 
we finally lose not the things eternal. Grant this, O 
heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ's sake our Lord. Amen. 

FOR CONTRITE HEARTS. 
Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing 
that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those 
who are penitent; Create and make in us new and con- 
trite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and 
acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the 
God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness: 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

FOR LIKENESS TO CHRIST. 
Almighty and everlasting God, who, of thy tender 
love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour 
Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer 
death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the 
example of his great humility; Mercifully grant, that we 
may both follow the example of his patience, and also be 
made partakers of his resurrection; through the same 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

FOR CONFORMITY TO GOD'S WILL. 

O Almighty God, who alone canst order the unruly 
wills and affections of sinful men; Grant unto thy people, 
that they may love the thing which thou commandest, 
and desire that which thou dost promise; that so, among 
the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts 
may surely there be fixed, where true joys are to be found; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



216 The Pastor s Manual 

FOR FELLOWSHIP WITH THE SAINTS. 

O Almighty God, who hast knit together thine elect 
in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of 
thy Son Christ our Lord; Grant us grace so to follow thy 
blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we 
may come to those unspeakable joys, which thou hast 
prepared for those who unfeignedly love thee; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

THE DAY'S WORK 

Thou who has appointed unto us our place and 
work in life, it is our prayer that in our daily labor and 
striving we may be obedient to every intimation of Thy 
will, and be workers together with Thee in helping Thy 
world and Thy children. Endue us with the spirit of 
wisdom and understanding, the spirit of power and 
courage and love. Make and keep us simple and true 
in heart, lowly in personal claim, earnest in purpose, 
and ever faithful, in all times of success and in all time 
of our tribulation, to our calling of God. May we never 
be overcome of evil, and never grow weary in well 
doing. In sympathy and service may we draw nearer 
and nearer to our fellows, and to every needy cause, 
while for us the light shines and the darkness lingers. 
And when our day's work is done, may we, through 
Thy grace, be able to render our account with joy, as 
becometh disciples of Him who did thy perfect will 
perfectly, and finished the work which Thou gavest 
him to do. 

GOD OUR REFUGE 

O Thou from Whom we come, to Whom we go, in 
Whom we live, the Beginning and the End of these 
swiftly passing days, and our Everlasting Home! give us 
to discern the purpose for which Thou hast sent us here. 



A Few Selected Prayers 217 

and help us to fulfill it. Keep us from following what 
is foolish, and false and unprofitable. In darkened days 
be Thou our light; in perplexing paths be Thou our 
Guide. Take out of our hearts all suspicion and fear of 
Thee and of Thy dealings with us, and let our doubts 
change into larger and richer trusts. Amid all the 
movement and tumult of life, amid all the comings and 
goings of the world, may our souls be at rest in Thee. 
In Thy hand are our times and in Thy hand, merciful 
Father, would we leave them, in quietness and con- 
fidence; calm and strong in the faith that thou mean- 
est well with us and with all thy children, that goodness 
and mercy will follow us all the days of our life, that in 
this world and in the world to come the Eternal God 
is our Refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms. 1 

1 Hunter. 



1* 



1^ 



